[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 112 (Friday, June 10, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34011-34014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14396]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0597; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-019-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate
No. A-815 Formerly Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.)
Model DHC-3 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to the products listed above. The existing AD
currently requires repetitively inspecting the elevator control tabs
for discrepancies and, if any discrepancies are found, taking necessary
corrective actions to bring all discrepancies within acceptable
tolerances. The existing AD also requires reporting certain inspection
results to the FAA. Since we issued that AD, we determined that we
inadvertently omitted certain airplanes from the Applicability section.
This proposed AD would retain the actions currently required in AD
2011-05-02 and remove the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA01059SE
condition in the Applicability section. We are proposing this AD to add
new repetitive inspections of the elevator control tabs. If these
inspections are not done, excessive free-play in the elevator control
tabs could develop. This condition could lead to loss of tab control
linkage and severe elevator flutter. Such elevator flutter could lead
to possible loss of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 25, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For information about the revisions to the FAA-approved
maintenance/inspection program identified in this AD, contact Viking
Air Ltd., 9574 Hampden Road, Sidney, BC Canada V8L 5V5; telephone:
(800) 663-8444; Internet: http://www.vikingair.com. You may review
copies of the referenced revisions 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Duckett, Aerospace Engineer,
New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7325; fax: (516)
794-5531; e-mail: [email protected].
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-2011-0597;
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-019-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 because of 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
On February 15, 2011, we issued AD 2011-05-02, Amendment 39-16611
(76 FR 10220, February 24, 2011), for certain Viking Air Limited (Type
Certificate No. A-815 formerly held by Bombardier Inc. and de
Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-3 airplanes. That AD requires repetitively
inspecting the
[[Page 34012]]
elevator control tabs for discrepancies and, if any discrepancies are
found, taking necessary corrective actions to bring all discrepancies
within acceptable tolerances. That AD also requires reporting certain
inspection results to the FAA. That AD resulted from an evaluation of
revisions to the manufacturer's maintenance manual that adds new
repetitive inspections of the elevator control tabs. To require
compliance with these inspections for U.S. owners and operators we
mandated the inspections through the rulemaking process. We issued that
AD to add new repetitive inspections of the elevator control tabs. If
these inspections are not done, excessive free-play in the elevator
control tabs could develop. This condition could lead to loss of tab
control linkage and severe elevator flutter. Such elevator flutter
could lead to possible loss of control.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2011-05-02, we determined that we inadvertently
omitted certain airplanes from the Applicability section. The current
Applicability section includes Model DHC-3 airplanes, all serial
numbers, that do not have the new elevator servo tab and redundant
control linkage installed according to Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) No. SA01059SE and that are certificated in any category.
The actions currently required in AD 2011-05-02 were intended for
all Model DHC-3 airplanes regardless if the installation of the
redundant linkage was done according to Supplemental Type Certificate
(STC) SA01059SE.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2011-
05-02. This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability
statement of the existing AD by removing the STC SA01059SE condition.
Interim Action
We are continuing to evaluate the cause of the unsafe condition
identified in this proposed AD to enable us to obtain better insight
into the nature, cause, and extent of excessive free-play in the
elevator control tabs. Based on this evaluation, we may consider
further rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 65 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection............... 1 work-hour x $85 Not applicable...... $85 per inspection $5,525 per
per hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary follow-on
actions that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that
may need this repair/replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Minimum repair............................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85... $50 $135
Moderate repair............................ 3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255. 150 405
Maximum repair............................. 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510. 450 960
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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 have 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 that the 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.
[[Page 34013]]
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
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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive
(AD) AD 2011-05-02, Amendment 39-16611 (76 FR 10220, February 24,
2011), and adding the following new AD:
Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate No. A-815 Formerly Held by
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2011-0597;
Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-019-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 25,
2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2011-05-02, Amendment 39-16611.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (type certificate No.
A-815 formerly held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model
DHC-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any
category.
Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from an evaluation of revisions to the
manufacturer's maintenance manual that adds new repetitive
inspections to the elevator control tabs. To require compliance with
these inspections for U.S. owners and operators we are mandating
these inspections through the rulemaking process. We are issuing
this AD to add new repetitive inspections of the elevator control
tabs. If these inspections are not done, excessive free-play in the
elevator control tabs could develop. This condition could lead to
loss of tab control linkage and severe elevator flutter. Such
elevator flutter could lead to possible loss of control.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the elevator control (i) For airplanes Following Viking
tabs for discrepancies. previously DHC-3 Otter
affected by AD Maintenance
2011-05-02: Manual Temporary
Initially within Revisions No. 18,
the next 50 hours No. 19, and No.
time-in-service 20, all dated
(TIS) after March December 5, 2008.
31, 2011 (the
effective date
retained from AD
2011-05-02).
(ii) For airplanes
not previously
affected by AD
2011-05-02:
Initially within
the next 50 hours
time-in-service
(TIS) after the
effective date of
this AD.
(iii) For all
affected
airplanes:
Repetitively
thereafter
inspect at
intervals not to
exceed 100 hours
TIS.
(2) If any discrepancies are For all affected Following Viking
found during any inspection airplanes: Before DHC-3 Otter
required in paragraph (f)(1) of further flight Maintenance
this AD, take necessary after any Manual Temporary
corrective actions to bring all inspection Revisions No. 18,
discrepancies within acceptable required in No. 19, and No.
tolerances. paragraph (f)(1) 20, all dated
of this AD in December 5, 2008.
which
discrepancies are
found.
(3) If, during any inspection For all affected Use the form
required in paragraph (f)(1) of airplanes: Within (Figure 1 of this
this AD, the total maximum free 30 days after the AD) and submit it
play of the elevator servo tab inspection or to FAA, Small
and trim tab relative to the within the next Airplane
elevator exceeds 1.0 degree 10 days after the Directorate,
(this is equal to a maximum effective date of Attn: Jim
displacement of 0.070'' at the this AD, Rutherford, 901
trailing edge), report the whichever occurs Locust, Room 301,
results of the inspection to later. For Kansas City,
the FAA. airplanes Missouri 64106.
previously
affected by AD
2011-05-02: We
are collecting
these inspection
results for 24
months after
March 31, 2011
(the effective
date retained
from AD 2011-05-
02). For
airplanes not
previously
affected by AD
2011-05-02: We
are collecting
these inspection
results for 24
months after the
effective date of
this AD. The
reporting
requirements of
this AD are no
longer required
after that time.
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Docket No. FAA-2011-0597
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Airplane Serial Number:
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Time-in-Service (TIS) of Airplane:
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Airplane Engine Type/Model Number/
Series Number:
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TIS of Airplane When Current Engine was
Installed:
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Date When Current Engine was Installed:
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STC Number that Installed Current
Engine (if applicable):
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Out of Tolerance Recording:
[[Page 34014]]
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Corrective Action Taken:
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Any Additional Information (Optional):
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Name:
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Telephone and/or E-mail Address:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:
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Send report to: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
facsimile:
(816) 329-4090; e-mail: [email protected].
Figure 1
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Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
(g) A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is
not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight
Standards District Office.
Related Information
(i) For more information about this AD, contact George Duckett,
Aerospace Engineer, New York ACO, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7325; fax: (516)
794-5531; e-mail: [email protected].
(j) To get information about the revisions to the maintenance
program identified in this proposed AD, contact Viking Air Ltd.,
9574 Hampden Road, Sidney, BC Canada V8L 5V5; telephone: (800) 663-
8444; Internet: http://www.vikingair.com. You may review copies of
the referenced revision 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.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 6, 2011.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-14396 Filed 6-9-11; 8:45 am]
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