[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 26 (Thursday, February 7, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9005-9007]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02730]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0776; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-32-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Propellers Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to all Dowty Propellers R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers.
The existing AD currently requires initial applications of sealant
between the bus bar assembly and the backplate assembly of certain
line-replaceable units (LRUs), and repetitive applications of sealant
on all R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers. Since we issued that AD, Dowty
Propellers has introduced an optional terminating action to the
applications of sealant. This proposed AD would add the optional
terminating action. We are proposing this AD to prevent an in-flight
double generator failure, which could result in reduced controllability
of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 8, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Dowty
Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL
29QN, UK; phone: 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax: 44 (0) 1452 716001. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-
238-7125.
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: Michael Schwetz, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803;
phone: 781-238-7761; fax 781-238-7170; 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-2009-0776;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-32-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 August 5, 2010, we issued AD 2010-17-11, Amendment 39-16403 (75
FR 51656, August 23, 2010), for all Dowty Propellers R408/6-123-F/17
model propellers. That AD requires initial applications of sealant
between the bus bar assembly and the backplate assembly of LRUs serial
numbers below DAP0347, and repetitive applications of sealant on all
R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers. That AD resulted from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. We issued that AD to prevent an in-flight double
generator
[[Page 9006]]
failure, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2010-17-11 (75 FR 51656, August 23, 2010), Dowty
Propellers introduced an optional terminating action to the repetitive
applications of sealant. That action consists of replacing the bus bar
assembly with a slip ring de-icer harness.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Dowty Propellers Service Bulletin (SB) No. D8400-61-94,
Revision 3, dated October 23, 2012. The SB describes procedures for
replacing the bus bar assembly with a slip ring de-icer harness.
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 the requirements of AD 2010-17-11
(75 FR 51656, August 23, 2010). This proposed AD would add an optional
terminating action to the applications of sealant by replacing the bus
bar assembly with a slip ring de-icer harness.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 104 propellers
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 2 hours per propeller to apply sealant and required sealant
would cost about $20 per propeller. We also estimate that it would take
about 3 hours to replace the bus bar with a de-icer slip ring harness
and required parts would cost about $1,200 per propeller. The average
labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $171,080. Our cost
estimate is exclusive of possible warranty coverage.
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 to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, 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.
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
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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2010-17-11, Amendment 39-16403 (75 FR 51656, August 23, 2010), and
adding the following new AD:
Dowty Propellers (formerly Dowty Aerospace; Dowty Rotol Limited; and
Dowty Rotol): Docket No. FAA-2009-0776; Directorate Identifier 2009-
NE-32-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments on this AD action by April 8, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD revises AD 2010-17-11, Amendment 39-16403 (75 FR 51656,
August 23, 2010).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to Dowty Propellers R408/6-123-F/17 model
propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to,
Bombardier, Inc. (formerly de Havilland Canada) models DHC-8-400,
DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402 series airplanes.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the need to add an optional terminating
action to the applications of sealant. We are issuing this AD to
prevent an in-flight double generator failure, which could result in
reduced controllability of the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(1) For R408/6-123-F/17 model propellers with a hub, actuator,
and backplate assembly line-replaceable unit serial numbers below
DAP0347, do the following initial sealant application within 5,000
flight hours (FH) after September 27, 2010, or within 100 FH from
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later:
(i) Apply sealant between the bus bar assemblies and the
backplate assembly.
(ii) Use paragraph 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Dowty
Propellers Alert Service Bulletin No. D8400-61-A66, Revision 5,
dated June 16, 2010, to apply the the sealant.
(2) Thereafter, re-apply sealant as specified in paragraphs
(e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(ii) of this AD within every additional
10,000 FH.
(f) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install any Dowty
Propellers R408/6-123-F/17 propeller unless sealant has been applied
between the bus bar assembly and the backplate assembly as specified
by this AD, or unless the optional terminating action as specified
in paragraph (i) of this AD, has been performed.
(g) Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
None.
(h) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(1) Sealant applications performed before the effective date of
this AD using Dowty Propellers Service Bulletin No. D8400-61-66,
dated February 9, 2007, Revision 1, dated May 4, 2007, Alert Service
Bulletin No. D8400-61-A66, Revision 2, dated August 19, 2009,
Revision 3, dated November 10, 2009, Revision 4, dated January 19,
2010, or Revision 5, dated June 16, 2010, satisfy the
[[Page 9007]]
initial sealant application requirement of this AD.
(2) Re-application of sealant within 10,000 FH since last
application satisifies the reapplication requirement. However,
unless you have incorporated the optional terminating action
provided in this AD Revision, you must reapply the sealant per
paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this AD.
(3) Replacement of the bus bar assembly with a slip ring de-icer
harness before the effective date of this AD using paragraph 3.A. of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Dowty Propellers Service Bulletin
No. D8400-61-94, Revision 2, dated August 29, 2012, satisfies the
optional terminating requirement of this AD.
(i) Optional Terminating Action
As optional terminating action to the sealant applications of
this AD, replace the bus bar assembly with a slip ring de-icer
harness. Use paragraph 3.A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Dowty Propellers Service Bulletin No. D8400-61-94, Revision 3, dated
October 23, 2012, to do the replacement.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19
to make your request.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2009-0114R1
(correction: Dated December 13, 2012) for related information.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Michael Schwetz,
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7761; fax 781-238-7170; email:
[email protected].
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dowty
Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL
29QN, UK; phone: 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax: 44 (0) 1452 716001. You
may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 29, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-02730 Filed 2-6-13; 8:45 am]
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