[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13193-13194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4494]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-1230; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-141-AD;
Amendment 39-16964; AD 2012-04-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes and Model DHC-8-200, -300,
and -400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking
of the DHC-8 Series 100 rudder actuator mounting bracket. This AD
requires modifying the mounting adapters of the power control unit
(PCU). We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of both rudder PCU
actuators which could result in free play of the rudder control surface
and loss of controllability of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 10, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 10,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2011
(76 FR 71470). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
Several reports have been received regarding cracking of the
DHC-8 Series 100 rudder actuator mounting bracket. An investigation
revealed that the mounting bracket has been under-designed based on
the static and endurance loading conditions. The failure of the
mounting brackets that attach the power control unit (PCU) to the
airframe could result in a loss of the rudder actuating system. The
loss of both rudder PCU actuators could result in free play of the
rudder control surface and potentially induce a flutter condition.
This [TCCA] directive mandates the installation of a new design
of rudder actuator mounting bracket [adapter].
The unsafe condition is loss of controllability of the airplane.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comment received. The commenter supports the
NPRM (76 FR 71470, November 18, 2011).
Explanation of Change Made to This AD
We have revised the heading for and the wording in paragraph (h) of
this AD; this change has not changed the intent of that paragraph.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. We
have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (76 FR 71470, November 18, 2011) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 71470, November 18, 2011).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 171 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take up to 10 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost up to $2,856
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on
U.S. operators to be up to $633,726, or $3,706 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.
[[Page 13194]]
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (76 FR 71470, November 18,
2011), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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 FAA amends 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 AD:
2012-04-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-16964. Docket No. FAA-
2011-1230; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-141-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 10,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -
315 airplanes, serial numbers 003 through 672 inclusive.
(2) Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers
4001 through 4343 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the DHC-8 Series
100 rudder actuator mounting bracket. We are issuing this AD to
prevent loss of both rudder PCU actuators which could result in free
play of the rudder control surface and loss of controllability of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Free-Play Check and Corrective Actions
Within 6,000 flight hours or 3 years after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, do the actions required by
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and
-315 airplanes: Install a new CRES mounting adapter with new bolts
by incorporating MODSUM 8Q101890, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-110,
Revision C, dated May 13, 2011.
(2) For DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes: Replace the
existing upper and lower mounting adapters of the PCU with
redesigned adapters by incorporating MODSUM 4-113655, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin
84-27-53, dated November 26, 2010.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-
110, Revision A, dated December 3, 2010; or Bombardier Service
Bulletin 8-27-110, Revision B, dated January 31, 2011.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York ACO, ANE-170, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety,
FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. 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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(j) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-12, dated
June 6, 2011; Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-110, Revision C,
dated May 13, 2011; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-53, dated
November 26, 2010; for related information.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-110, Revision C, dated May
13, 2011.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-53, dated November 26,
2010.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000;
fax 416-375-4539; email [email protected]; Internet
http://www.bombardier.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 17, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-4494 Filed 3-5-12; 8:45 am]
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