[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 4, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71729-71731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29171]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1222; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-134-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. 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 certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series
airplanes. The existing AD currently requires a free-play check for
excessive free-play of the shaft swaged bearing installed in the
tailstock end of each elevator power control unit (PCU), and replacing
any PCU on which the bearing exceeds allowable limits with a
serviceable PCU. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that
additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition.
This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability in the
existing AD. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct excessive
freeplay of the swaged bearings, which could lead to excessive airframe
vibrations and difficulties in pitch control, and consequent loss of
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 18,
2013.
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: 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
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. You may review copies of the 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 425-227-1221.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
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:
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-2012-1222;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-134-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
On June 14, 2011, we issued AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76
FR 37253, June 27, 2011). That AD required actions intended to address
an unsafe condition on Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series
airplanes.
Since we issued the existing AD (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), we
have determined that additional airplanes are affected by the
identified unsafe condition. Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA),
which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-28R1, dated June 12, 2012 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Several reports have been received on the elevator power control
units (PCUs) where the shaft (tailstock) swaged bearing liners had
shown a higher than normal rate of wear. Investigation revealed that
the excessive wear was due to the paint contamination between the
bearing roller and bearing liner. The bearing paint contamination is
known to be abrasive and could seize the bearing.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to excessive
airframe vibrations and difficulties in aircraft pitch control.
This [TCCA] directive mandates a free-play check of the shaft
swaged bearing installed in the elevator PCU tailstock end and
replacement of the shaft swaged bearings if excessive free-play is
found.
[[Page 71730]]
This [TCCA] AD is revised to amend the applicability for DHC-8
Series 400 aeroplanes.
The unsafe condition is loss of controllability of the airplane.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A,
dated March 5, 2012. The actions described in this service information
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
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
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 81 products of U.S. registry.
The actions that are required by AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731
(76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and retained in this proposed AD take
about 3 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently
required actions is $255 per product.
We estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to
comply with the new basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators for the added airplanes
to be $255 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 5 work-hours and require parts costing $33, for a cost of
$458 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 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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
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 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and
adding the following new AD:
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2012-1222; Directorate Identifier
2012-NM-134-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 18, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR
37253, June 27, 2011).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -
402 airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial numbers
(S/Ns) 4001 through 4334 inclusive, and 4336.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of replacement of several
elevator power control units (PCUs) due to worn swaged bearings
located in the elevator PCU tailstock. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct excessive freeplay of the swaged bearings, which
could lead to excessive airframe vibrations and difficulties in
pitch control, and consequent 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) Retained Free-Play Check With Revised Service Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), with
revised service information. For airplanes identified in paragraph
(c) of this AD, except airplanes having S/N 4305 through 4334
inclusive, and 4336: At the applicable time specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, perform a free-play check for any
shaft swaged bearing having part number (P/N) MS14103-7 that is
installed in the tailstock end of each elevator PCU (three PCUs per
elevator surface) having P/Ns 390600-1007 and 390600-1009, in
accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part A, of Bombardier Service
Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25, 2010; or Revision A, dated March 5,
2012. As of the effective date of this AD, only Bombardier Service
Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5, 2012, may be used to
accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more total
flight hours as of August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011)): Within 2,000
flight hours after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08).
[[Page 71731]]
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 8,000 total
flight hours as of August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011)): Within 6,000
flight hours after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08), or before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours,
whichever occurs first.
(h) Retained Follow-on Action
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), with
revised service information. If, during the check required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, the bearing free-play is within the limits
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25,
2010, or Revision A, dated March 5, 2012; no further action is
required by this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, only
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012, may be used to accomplish the actions required by this
paragraph.
(i) Retained Corrective Actions
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), with
revised service information. If, during the check required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, the bearing free-play exceeds the limits
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25,
2010; or Revision A, dated March 5, 2012: Before further flight,
replace the elevator PCU with a serviceable one, in accordance with
paragraph 3.B., Part B, of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52,
dated May 25, 2010; or Revision A, dated March 5, 2012. As of the
effective date of this AD, only Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-
52, Revision A, dated March 5, 2012, may be used to accomplish the
actions required by this paragraph.
(j) New Requirements
For airplanes having S/N 4305 through 4334 inclusive, and 4336:
At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of
this AD, perform a free-play check for any shaft swaged bearing
having P/N MS14103-7 that is installed in the tailstock end of each
elevator PCU (three PCUs per elevator surface), having P/Ns 390600-
1007 and 390600-1009, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part A, of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more total
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 2,000
flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 8,000 total
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6,000
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, or before the
accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(k) Corrective Actions
During the check required by paragraph (j) of this AD, if the
bearing free-play is found to exceed the limits specified in
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012: Before further flight, replace the elevator PCU with a
serviceable one, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part B, of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012.
(l) 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), ANE-170, 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 Program Manager, Continuing
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 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.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-28R1, dated June 12,
2012, and the service information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i)
and (l)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related information.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25, 2010.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 87-27-52, Revision A, dated
March 5, 2012.
(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. You may review copies of the 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 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 21, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-29171 Filed 12-3-12; 8:45 am]
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