[Federal Register: November 29, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 230)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 71101-71103]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29no02-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-CE-36-AD; Amendment 39-12966; AD 2002-24-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Britten Norman (Bembridge) Limited BN2A
Mk. III Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 71102]]
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to all Britten Norman (Bembridge) Limited (Britten Norman) BN2A
Mk. III series airplanes. This AD requires you to repetitively inspect
the rear engine-mounting frame for cracks and replace the frame if
cracks are found. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority
for the United Kingdom. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to detect and correct cracks in the rear engine-mounting frame, which
could lead to engine mount failure. Such failure could result in
separation of the engine from the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 21, 2003.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of
January 21, 2003.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Britten Norman (Bembridge) Limited Bembridge, Isle of Wight,
United Kingdom PO35 5PR; telephone: +44 (0) 1983 872511; facsimile: +44
(0) 1983 873246. You may view this information at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-36-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
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:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This 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 Britten Norman BN2A Mk. III series
airplanes. The CAA reports that the manufacturer has reported three
occurrences of cracks in the rear engine-mounting frame detected by
operators during routine inspections.
What Is the Potential Impact If FAA Took No Action?
These cracks could lead to engine mount failure with consequent
separation of the engine from the airplane.
Has FAA Taken Any Action To This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all
Britten Norman BN2A Mk. III series airplanes. This proposal was
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) on September 17, 2002 (67 FR 58546). The NPRM proposed to
require you to repetitively inspect the rear engine-mounting frame for
cracks and replace the frame if cracks are found.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule
or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor
corrections:
--Provide 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.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 7 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected
Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 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 = $240... No cost for parts...... $240 7 x $240 = $1,680.
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary
replacements that will be required based on the results of the
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.......................................... $10,000 $11,800
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Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
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.
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
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 copy of the final evaluation prepared for this
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
[[Page 71103]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2002-24-01 Britten Norman (Bembridge) Limited: Amendment 39-12966;
Docket No. 2002-CE-36-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Models BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III-3 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 rear
engine-mounting frame, which could lead to engine mount failure with
consequent 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 rear engine- Initially upon In accordance with
mounting frame, part number accumulating 1,000 Britten-Norman
(P/N) NB51-H-1021, or FAA- hours time-in- Service Bulletin
approved equivalent part service (TIS) on No. SB 281, Issue
number, for cracks. the engine mounting 1, dated May 1,
frame or within the 2002.
next 50 hours TIS
after January 21,
2003 (the effective
date of this AD),
whichever occurs
later. If no cracks
are found on the
initial inspection,
repetitively
inspect every 200
hours TIS.
(2) If cracks are found Prior to further In accordance with
during any inspection flight after the Britten-Norman
required in paragraph inspection in which Service Bulletin
(d)(1) of this AD, replace any crack and/or No. SB 281, Issue
the mounting frame with a damage is found. 1, dated May 1,
new frame, P/N NB51-H-1021, After installing 2002.
or FAA-approved equivalent the new frame,
part number. inspect as required
in 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) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with Britten-Norman Service Bulletin No. SB 281, Issue 1, dated May
1, 2002. The Director of the Federal Register approved this
incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
You may get copies from Britten Norman (Bembridge) Limited
Bembridge, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom PO35 5PR; telephone: +44
(0) 1983 872511; facsimile: +44 (0) 1983 873246. You may view copies
at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, 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 AD 001-
05-2002, not dated.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on January 21, 2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 19, 2002.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-30023 Filed 11-27-02; 8:45 am]
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