# Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ70A and -RJ85A Series Airplanes > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A94-27475 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Uncategorized Document - **Published:** November 7, 1994 ## Text DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 94-NM-132-AD] Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ70A and -RJ85A Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace Model Avro 146-RJ70A and -RJ85A series airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to identify and remove certain cable terminals on the auxiliary power unit (APU) starter circuit and installation of certain new cable terminals. This proposal is prompted by a report that, during an inspection of the cable terminals on the APU starter circuit, incorrect cable terminals were found installed on these airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to ensure the installation of correct starter cable terminals in the APU; incorrect cables could lead to the inability of the pilot to start the APU when needed in a situation of loss of other electrical power sources. DATES: Comments must be received by January 4, 1995. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-132-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from British Aerospace Holdings, Inc., Avro International Aerospace Division, P.O. Box 16039, Dulles International Airport, Washington DC 20041-6039. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, Washington. 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) 227-1320. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 94-NM-132-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. Availability of NPRMs Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-132-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Discussion The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain British Aerospace Model Avro 146- RJ70A and -RJ85A series airplanes. The CAA advises that, during an inspection of the cable terminals in the auxiliary power unit (APU) starter circuit, incorrect cable terminals were found installed on these airplanes. Investigation revealed that nickel-plated copper terminals were installed during production instead of aluminum/copper terminals. Nickel-plated copper terminals that contact APU starter cables having an aluminum core result in dissimilar metal corrosion. Such corrosion could lead to the loss of power to the APU, and the consequent inability of the pilot to start the APU when necessary in a situation where an airplane's primary or other electrical power sources are lost. If this were to occur, all electrical power on the airplane may be lost. Avro has issued Service Bulletin S.B. 49-40, Revision 1, dated March 17, 1994, which describes procedures for a detailed visual inspection to identify the cable terminals fitted to cables KA47 and KA48 in the APU starter circuit at terminal block KA9. This service bulletin also describes procedures for removing the cable terminals identified as part number (P/N) S1007-042 and installing new cable terminals having P/N S1006-040. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory. This airplane model is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 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 the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States. Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD would require a detailed visual inspection to identify the cable terminals fitted to cables KA47 and KA48 on the APU starter circuit at terminal block KA9, removal of certain cable terminals, and installation of certain new cable terminals. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously. The FAA estimates that 3 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1.5 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $250 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $997.50, or $332.50 per airplane. The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 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 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to 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. 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: British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace Division (Formerly British Aerospace, PLC; British Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited): Docket 94-NM-132-AD. Applicability: Model Avro 146-RJ70A and -RJ85A series airplanes; as listed in Avro International Aerospace Service Bulletin 49-40, Revision 1, dated March 17, 1994; certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent loss of electrical power to the auxiliary power unit (APU), accomplish the following: (a) Within 5 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection to identify the cable terminals fitted to cables KA47 and KA48 in the APU starter circuit at terminal block KA9, in accordance with Avro International Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 49-40, Revision 1, dated March 17, 1994. If the cable terminals are identified as part number (P/N) S1007-042, prior to further flight, remove the cable terminals and install new cable terminals having P/N S1006-040, in accordance with the service bulletin. (b) 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: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113. (c) 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 1, 1994. S.R. Miller, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 94-27475 Filed 11-4-94; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A94-27475. Public record. Not legal advice.