[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 210 (Tuesday, October 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65617-65619]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26077]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0726; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-023-AD;
Amendment 39-17228; AD 2012-21-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by cases of on-ground failure of the screw cap or end cap of hydraulic
accumulators on other airplane models, resulting in high-energy impact
damage to adjacent systems and structure. This AD requires inspecting
for a part number and replacing the affected parking brake hydraulic
accumulator, and relocating the parking brake accumulator, on the
subject airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
screw caps and/or end caps of the parking brake hydraulic accumulator,
which could result in damage to the airplane's primary structures, with
potential adverse effect on the airplane's controllability.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 4, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 4,
2012.
[[Page 65618]]
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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531; email
[email protected].
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 August 2, 2012 (77
FR 45981). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) states:
Seven cases of on-ground hydraulic accumulator/screw cap/end cap
failure have been experienced on CL-600-2B19 (CRJ) aeroplanes,
resulting in loss of the associated hydraulic system and high-energy
impact damage to adjacent systems and structure. To date, the lowest
number of flight cycles accumulated at the time of failure has been
6991.
Although there have been no failures to date on any DHC-8
aeroplanes, similar accumulators to those installed on the CL-600-
2B19, Part Number (P/N) 08-60197-001 (Parking Brake Accumulator),
are installed on the aeroplanes listed in the Applicability section
of this [Canadian] Airworthiness Directive (AD). It was also found
that some of these accumulators may be affected by manufacturing
non-conformances.
A detailed analysis of the systems and structure in the
potential line of trajectory of a failed screw cap/end cap for the
accumulator has been conducted. It has been identified that the
worst-case scenarios would be the damage to the aeroplane's primary
structures, which could have an adverse effect on the
controllability of the aeroplane.
This [Canadian] AD mandates the [inspection for part and serial
numbers and] replacement of the affected hydraulic accumulators and
the relocation of the parking brake accumulator.
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 received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 45981, August 2,
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed-except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 45981, August 2, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 45981, August 2, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 83 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 17 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 about $5,205
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the
U.S. operators to be $551,950, or $6,650 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $4,643, for a cost of
$4,898 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
products that may need these actions.
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 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 that this AD:
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 (77 FR 45981, August 2,
2012), 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:
[[Page 65619]]
2012-21-12 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17228. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0726; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-023-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 4,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -
402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001
through 4346 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by cases of on-ground hydraulic
accumulator/screw cap/end cap failure, resulting in high-energy
impact damage to adjacent systems and structure. We are issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the screw caps and/or end caps of the
hydraulic and parking brake accumulators, which could result in
damage to the airplane's primary structures, with potential adverse
effect on the airplane's controllability.
(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) Inspection/Replacement of the Parking Brake Hydraulic Accumulator
For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4337 inclusive:
Within 1,200 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever comes first, inspect the parking brake hydraulic
accumulator to determine the part number and serial number, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16, 2011.
(1) If the part number of the parking brake hydraulic
accumulator can be determined by the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, and is not identified in paragraph 1.,
Effectivity, of Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2,
dated February 1, 2011: No further action is required by this
paragraph.
(2) If the part number and serial number of the parking brake
hydraulic accumulator cannot be determined by the inspection
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, or is identified in paragraph
1. Effectivity, of Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2,
dated February 1, 2011: Before further flight, replace the parking
brake hydraulic accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February
16, 2011.
(h) Relocation of the Parking Brake Hydraulic Accumulator
(1) For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4068
inclusive, 4070 through 4214 inclusive, 4216, 4219 through 4261
inclusive, and 4263 through 4346 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, relocate the parking
brake hydraulic accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B,
dated November 22, 2011.
(2) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of
this AD in accordance with previous revisions of Bombardier Service
Bulletin 84-32-87 does not meet the requirements of paragraph (h)(1)
of this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): 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 ACO,
send it 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-2012-04, dated
January 13, 2012, and the service information identified in
paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(3) of this AD, for related
information.
(1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, dated
November 22, 2011.
(2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16,
2011.
(3) Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, dated
February 1, 2011.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, dated
November 22, 2011.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16,
2011.
(iii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, dated
February 1, 2011.
(3) For Bombardier, Inc., 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. For Goodrich service information
identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Landing Gear,
1400 South Service Road, West Oakville L6L 5Y7, Ontario, Canada;
telephone 905-825-1568; email [email protected]; Internet
http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.
(4) You may review copies of the 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 425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 11, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26077 Filed 10-29-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P