[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 130 (Friday, July 7, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35323-35324]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-15994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-161-AD; Amendment 39-9295; AD 95-14-03]
Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11-200
and -400 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11-200 and -400 series
airplanes, that requires repetitive radiographic inspections to detect
corrosion of the center torque shaft of the wing spoiler, and
replacement, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report of
the wing spoiler failing to retract fully after deployment, which
caused the wing to drop significantly. Subsequent investigation
revealed that the torque shaft assembly of the wing spoiler had failed
due to severe corrosion. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent such failures, which can result in an adverse effect on
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: Effective August 7, 1995.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 7, 1995.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from British Aerospace, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol
BS99 7AR, England. 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: William Schroeder, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2148; fax (206) 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 British Aerospace Model BAC 1-
11-200 and -400 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register
on April 26, 1995 (60 FR 20461). That action proposed to require
repetitive radiographic inspections to detect corrosion of the center
torque shaft of the wing spoiler, and replacement of the torque shaft
assembly, if necessary.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require
the adoption of the rule as proposed.
The FAA estimates that 31 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 40 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost
[[Page 35324]]
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $74,400, or
$2,400 per airplane.
Should an operator be required to accomplish the replacement of the
torque shaft assembly, it will take approximately 40 work hours per
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Required parts will cost approximately $2,950 per airplane. Based on
these figures, the total cost impact of any necessary replacement
action is estimated to be $5,350 per airplane.
The total 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 regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-14-03 British Aerospace Airbus Limited (Formerly British
Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace Aircraft
Group): Amendment 39-9295. Docket 94-NM-161-AD.
Applicability: All Model BAC 1-11-200 and -400 series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, 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 use the authority
provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the center torque shaft of the spoiler on
the left and right wing, accomplish the following:
(a) Perform a radiographic inspection to detect internal
corrosion of the center torque shaft on the left and right wing
spoilers, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
British Aerospace BAC 1-11 Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6007, Issue
1, dated April 10, 1992, at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1)
or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. If the date of installation of
a center torque shaft cannot be determined, the radiographic
inspection of that shaft must be accomplished within 9 months after
the effective date of this AD.
(1) For the center torque shaft on the left wing spoiler:
Inspect within 10 years after the date of installation of that
center torque shaft, or within 9 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For the center torque shaft on the right wing spoiler:
Inspect within 10 years after the date of installation of that
center torque shaft, or within 9 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later.
(b) If no internal corrosion is detected, repeat the
radiographic inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 years.
(c) If any internal surface corrosion is detected, prior to
further flight, replace that shaft assembly with either a used
serviceable assembly or a new assembly, in accordance with British
Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6007, Issue 1, dated April
10, 1992. Perform the radiographic inspection in accordance with
that service bulletin at the applicable time specified in paragraph
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) If a new shaft assembly is installed: Perform the inspection
within 10 years after installation. Thereafter, repeat the
inspection at intervals not to exceed 4 years.
(2) If a used serviceable shaft is installed: Prior to
installation, perform an initial radiographic inspection of that
shaft in accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat
the inspection at intervals not to exceed 4 years.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) The inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance
with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 27-A-PM6007, Issue 1,
dated April 10, 1992. 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, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol BS99 7AR, England.
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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on August 7, 1995.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 1995.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 95-15994 Filed 7-6-95; 8:45 am]
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