[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1179-1181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31699]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9160; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-022-AD;
Amendment 39-18767; AD 2016-26-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2016-06-01
for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-
2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-
21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2,
and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU
and A29EU) airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in
the inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads. This AD changes
model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016-06-01. We are
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 9, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April
19, 2016 (81 FR 13717; March 15, 2016).
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9160; or in person at the 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 20590.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Britten-
Norman Aircraft Limited, Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre,
Millbrook Road East, Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone:
+44 20 3371 4000; fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: [email protected];
Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/. You may view
this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA-2016-9160.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4159; fax: (816) 329-3047; email:
[email protected].
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 B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2,
BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21,
BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T-4R,
BN-2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on
Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on September 23, 2016 (81 FR 65581),
and proposed to supersede AD 2016-06-01, Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR
13717; March 15, 2016).
Since we issued AD 2016-06-01, errors were discovered in the model
applicability after issuance. This AD adds Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R,
removes nonexistent Model BN2B, and removes duplicate listings of BN2A
and BN2A MK.III.
The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country. The MCAI states that:
In 2005, occurrences were reported of finding cracks in the
inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads, Part Number (P/
N) DU130-24.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
incorrect readings on the pressure instrumentation, e.g. altimeters,
vertical speed indicators (rate-of-climb) and airspeed indicators,
possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, B-N Group issued
Service Bulletin (SB) 310 to provide inspection and test
instructions. Consequently, CAA UK issued AD G-2005-0034 (EASA
approval 2005-6447) to require repetitive inspections and leak tests
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective
action(s).
Subsequently, B-N Group published SB 310 issue 2, prompting EASA
to issue AD 2006-0143 making reference to SB 310 at issue 2, while
the publication of BNA SB 310 issue 3 prompted EASA AD 2006-0143R1,
introducing BNA modification (mod) NB-M-1728 (new pitot/static
pressure head not affected by the AD requirements) as optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspections and leak tests.
Since that AD was issued, operators have reported a number of
premature failures of the affected P/N DU130-24 pitot-static probes.
Prompted by these reports, BNA issued SB 310 issue 4 to reduce
the interval for the inspections and leak tests.
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://
[[Page 1180]]
www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9160-0002.
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 relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the 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
We reviewed B-N Group Ltd. Britten-Norman Service Bulletin Number
SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 2015. The service information
describes procedures for inspections, and if necessary, replacement of
the pitot/static pressure head. 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 of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 93 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $7,905, or $85 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $10,000, for a cost
of $10,170 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
products that may need these actions.
The cost impact of this AD is the same as that presented in AD
2016-06-01.
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 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.
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-2016-
9160; 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 the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket Office
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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 removing Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR
13717; March 15, 2016) and adding the following new AD:
2016-26-09 B-N Group Ltd.: Amendment 39-18767; Docket No. FAA-2016-
9160; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-022-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 9,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2016-06-01, Amendment 39-18432 (81 FR
13717; March 15, 2016) (``AD 2016-06-01'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2,
BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN-2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26,
BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B-21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN-2T-4R, BN-2T,
BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 (all models on Type
Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes, all serial
numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 34: Navigation.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks in the
inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads, which could
cause incorrect readings on the pressure instrumentation, possibly
resulting in reduced control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD
to change the model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016-06-
01.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs
(f)(1) through (5) of this AD:
(1) For all airplanes that are equipped with pitot/static
pressure head part number (P/N) DU130-24, except Models BN-2T and
BN-2T-4R: Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 19, 2016
(the effective date retained from AD 2016-06-01) and repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the
pitot/static pressure head for cracks and/or separation and perform
a leak test following the procedures in the action section of
Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25,
2015.
(2) For Models BN-2T and BN-2T-4R that are equipped with pitot/
static pressure head
[[Page 1181]]
part number (P/N) DU130-24: Within 50 hours TIS after February 9,
2017 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, inspect the pitot/static
pressure head for cracks and/or separation and perform a leak test
following the procedures in the action section of Britten-Norman
Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated September 25, 2015.
(3) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head
part number (P/N) DU130-24: If any discrepancies are found during an
inspection or test required in paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this AD,
before further flight, replace the pitot/static pressure head with
an airworthy part.
(4) For all airplanes equipped with pitot/static pressure head
part number (P/N) DU130-24: Corrections performed on airplanes as
required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD do not constitute
terminating action for the repetitive actions required in paragraph
(f)(1) or (2) of this AD.
(5) For all airplanes not equipped with a pitot/static pressure
head P/N DU130-24 on February 9, 2017 (the effective date of this
AD): After April 19, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 2016-
06-01), do not install a pitot/static pressure head P/N DU130-24.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Raymond Johnston, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4159; fax: (816) 329-3047;
email: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.:
2015-0184, dated September 1, 2015; for related information. You may
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9160-0002.
(i) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
April 19, 2016.
(i) Britten-Norman Service Bulletin SB 310, Issue 4, dated
September 25, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) For Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited service information
identified in this AD, contact Britten-Norman Aircraft Limited,
Commodore House, Mountbatten Business Centre, Millbrook Road East,
Southampton SO15 1HY, United Kingdom; telephone: +44 20 3371 4000;
fax: +44 20 3371 4001; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.britten-norman.com/customer-support/.
(5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Small
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(816) 329-4148. In addition, you can access this service information
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9160.
(6) 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 Kansas City, Missouri, on December 22, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-31699 Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
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