[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 218 (Thursday, November 12, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69903-69905]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28561]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4212; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-010-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and
Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of cracking of the main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG)
and a determination that a new safe-life limitation for affected NLG
main fittings has not been mandated. This proposed AD would require
replacing affected NLG main fittings that have exceeded the safe-life
limitation with a new or serviceable fitting. We are proposing this AD
to prevent collapse of the NLG, which if not corrected, could lead to
degradation of direction control on the ground or an un-commanded turn
to the left, and a consequent loss of control of the airplane on the
ground, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to
occupants.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 28,
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department,
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United
Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may view this referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

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-2015-
4212; 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 this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>;
fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-4212;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-010-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0191R1, dated November 6, 2012 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-
RJ series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several occurrences of the aeroplane`s Nose Landing Gear (NLG)
Main Fitting cracking have been reported. Subsequently in different
cases, NLG Main Fitting crack lead to collapsed NLG, locked NLG
steering and an aeroplane`s un-commanded steering to the left.
    Cracks in the NLG Bell Housing are not detectable with the NLG
fitted to the aeroplane and are difficult to detect during overhaul
without substantial disassembly of the gear.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to degradation of
directional control on the ground or an un-commanded turn to the
left and a consequent loss of control of the aeroplane on the
ground, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to
occupants.
    Prompted by these findings, BAE Systems (Operations) Ltd issued
Inspection Service Bulletin (ISB) 32-186 (hereafter referred to as
the ISB) to introduce a new safe life of 16,000 flight cycles (FC)
for certain NLG main fittings, having a Part Number (P/N) as
identified in Paragraph 1A, tables 1, 2 and 3 of the ISB.
    To correct this unsafe condition, EASA issued [EASA] AD 2012-
0191 to require implementation of the new safe-life limitation for
the affected NLG main fittings and replacement of fittings that have
already exceeded the new limit.
* * * * *
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
4212.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    BAE Systems (Operations) Limited has issued Inspection Service
Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012. This service information
describes procedures for determining the compliance times for replacing
the NLG main fittings. 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 this NPRM.

Related Rulemaking

    On August 4, 2014, we issued AD 2014-16-18, Amendment 39-17942 (79
FR 51234, August 28, 2014). AD 2014-16-18 requires revising the
maintenance program by incorporating a new safe-life limitation for the
NLG main fitting on all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146
series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. Since we
issued AD 2014-16-18, Amendment 39-17942 (79 FR 51234, August 28,
2014), we have determined that the new safe-life limitation for
affected NLG main fittings has not been mandated because the safe-life
limitation was not incorporated in Subject 05-10-15, Aircraft Equipment
Airworthiness Limitations, of Section 05-10, Time Limits, of Chapter
05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks, of the BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited BAe 146 Series/Avro 146-RJ Series Aircraft Maintenance Manual,
Revision 108, dated September 14, 2012 (which was referred to as the
appropriate source of service information for incorporating the safe-
life limitation into the maintenance or inspections program).
Therefore, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to require the
replacement of NLG main fittings that have exceeded the safe-life
limitation with a new or serviceable fitting.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 36 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost $81,000 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $336,240, or $84,060 per product.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
    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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited: Docket No. FAA-2015-4212;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-010-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 28, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe
146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-
RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category, all
models, all serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main fitting
of the nose landing gear (NLG) and a determination that a new safe-
life limitation for affected NLG main fittings has not been
mandated. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the NLG,
which if not corrected could lead to degradation of direction
control on the ground or an uncommanded turn to the left, and a
consequent loss of control of the airplane on the ground, possibly
resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Replacement of Nose Landing Gear (NLG) Main Fitting

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraphs (g)(1)
through (g)(4) of this AD: Replace each affected nose landing gear
(NLG) main fitting, having a part number (P/N) as identified in
paragraph 1.A, tables 1., 2., and 3. of BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12,
2012, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of that BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186,
dated April 12, 2012.

Thereafter, before the accumulation of 16,000 flight cycles on any
affected NLG main fitting having a part number as identified in
paragraph 1.A, tables 1., 2., and 3. of BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12,
2012, replace each affected nose landing gear (NLG) main fitting, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of that BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated
April 12, 2012.
    (1) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated 29,000 flight
cycles or more since first installation on an airplane: Within 12
months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For NLG main fittings that have 20,000 flight cycles or more
but less than 29,000 flight cycles since first installation on an
airplane: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For NLG main fittings that have 16,000 flight cycles or more
but less than 20,000 flight cycles since first installation on an
airplane: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated less than 16,000
flight cycles since first installation on an airplane: Before
accumulating 16,000 flight cycles since first installation on an
airplane or within 36 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an
NLG main fitting having a part number identified in paragraph 1.A.,
Tables 1., 2., and 3., of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012, unless
that fitting is in compliance with the requirements of this AD.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>. Information
may be emailed to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2012-0191R1, dated November 6, 2012, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2015-4212.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited, Customer Information Department,
Prestwick International Airport, Ayrshire, KA9 2RW, Scotland, United
Kingdom; telephone +44 1292 675207; fax +44 1292 675704; email
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 30, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28561 Filed 11-10-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 552]
[FR Doc No: 2010-33198]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-1070; FRL-8859-8]

Pesticides; Availability of Pesticide Registration Notice
Regarding the Residential Exposure Joint Venture

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agency is announcing the availability of a Pesticide
Registration Notice (PR Notice) regarding the data development efforts
of the Residential Exposure Joint Venture, L.L.C. This PR Notice (PR
Notice 2011-1) issued by the Agency on December 23, 2010. PR Notices
are issued by the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) to inform
pesticide registrants and other interested persons about important
policies, procedures, and registration related decisions, and serve to
provide guidance to pesticide registrants and OPP personnel. This
particular PR Notice provides information concerning the formation of
an industry task force for the development of data supporting pesticide
registration, in which registrants may wish to participate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard P. Dumas, Pesticide Re-
evaluation Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; e-
mail address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    You may be potentially affected by this notice if you register
pesticide products intended for residential uses under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Since other
entities may also be interested, the Agency has not attempted to
describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action.
If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to
a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How can I get copies of this document and other related information?

    EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-1070. Publicly available
docket materials are available either in the electronic docket at
http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard copy, at the
Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-
4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington,
VA. The hours of operation of this Docket Facility are from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket
Facility telephone number is<PHONE_NUMBER>.

II. Background

A. What action is the agency taking?

    The Agency is announcing the issuance of a Pesticide Registration
Notice (PR-2011-1) that addresses the data development efforts of the
Residential Exposure Joint Venture (REJV). When registering or
periodically reviewing an existing registration, the Agency evaluates
the potential risks to people from exposure to the pesticide in and
around the home. The REJV was formed to develop information on the
actual use patterns of residential pesticides that can be used by EPA,
and other regulatory agencies responsible for assuring the safety of
pesticides. The purpose of the PR Notice is to describe what data the
REJV plans to generate, to describe how EPA expects to use the data,
and to inform registrants of the opportunity to join REJV.

B. What is the agency'sauthority for taking this action?

    The PR Notice discussed in this notice is intended to provide
information to EPA personnel and decision makers and to pesticide
registrants. While the requirements in the statutes and Agency
regulations are binding on EPA and the applicants, this PR Notice is
not binding on either EPA or pesticide registrants, and EPA may depart
from the guidance where circumstances warrant and without prior notice.
Likewise, pesticide registrants may assert that the guidance is not
appropriate generally or not applicable to a specific pesticide or
situation.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Residential pesticide use, Pesticides and pests.

    Dated: December 27, 2010.
Richard P. Keigwin, Jr.,
Director, Pesticide Re-evaluation Division, Office of Pesticide
Programs.
[FR Doc. 2010-33198 Filed 1-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P