[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 140 (Monday, July 22, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43761-43763]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17210]
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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;
Amendment 39-17505; AD 2013-13-17]
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 superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2011-13-08 for
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2011-13-
08 required 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. This new AD adds airplanes to
the applicability from that of AD 2011-13-08. This AD was prompted by a
determination that additional airplanes are affected by the identified
unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
excessive free-play 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: This AD becomes effective August 26, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 26,
2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of August
1, 2011 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011).
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.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 4, 2012 (77
FR 71729), and proposed to supersede AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731
(76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011). 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 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (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.
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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Clarify Applicability
Bombardier, Inc. stated that the applicability in the NPRM (77 FR
71729, December 4, 2012) is ``ambiguous.'' Bombardier noted that the
applicability specifies a serial number range of airplanes, but the
NPRM could be interpreted to apply to those PCUs or bearings installed
on the airplane at the time of manufacture. Bombardier added that the
preamble and service information sections of the NPRM contribute to
this interpretation by citing paint contamination during airplane
manufacture as the basis for bearing wear, in addition to the
identification of PCUs and bearings by part number. Bombardier stated
that the affected airplanes have a production run between the years
2000 and 2010; the PCUs are line replaceable units and could have been
removed from an affected airplane and installed on an airplane outside
of the serial number range. Bombardier concluded that if the intent of
the NPRM is to apply to PCUs installed at the time of airplane
manufacture, there are no provisions to account for those PCUs in the
NPRM or in the service information.
We infer that the commenter wants clarification of the
applicability. We agree to clarify. This AD applies only to those
airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 4001 through 4334 inclusive, and
4336, and matches the applicability of Canadian Airworthiness Directive
CF-2010-28R1, dated June 12, 2012. Based on the infrequent removal and
replacement of single actuators, we have determined it is not necessary
to include additional airplanes in the applicability at this time. To
alter the applicability to include additional airplanes would require
additional rulemaking. We find that delaying this action would be
inappropriate in light of the identified unsafe condition. However, we
might consider additional rulemaking to address any airplanes that
might be identified in the future as having an affected PCU or bearing.
We have made no change to this AD in this regard.
Request To Give Credit for Previous Accomplishment of Certain
Inspections
Bombardier also stated that maintenance review board (MRB) Task
273000-213, ``Functional Check of the Elevator Free Play,'' was
introduced on February 10, 2011, with a 12,000-flight-hour interval.
Bombardier added that the NPRM (77 FR 71729, December 4, 2012) contains
no provisions for giving credit for inspections accomplished using the
MRB task, which applies to all airplanes and addresses excessive
elevator free-play, regardless of the source.
We disagree to give credit for previous accomplishment of the free-
play inspections using that MRB task because that task does not meet
the requirements in this AD. The free-play inspections in this AD must
be performed at the required compliance times in accordance with
Bombardier Service
[[Page 43762]]
Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25, 2010; or Revision A, dated March 5,
2012. However, as specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, we might
approve a request for an alternative method of compliance for the
inspection requirements of this AD if substantiating data supporting
the request is provided. We have made no change to the AD in this
regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects about 81 products of U.S.
registry.
The actions that were required by AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731
(76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and retained in this 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 actions retained from
AD 2011-13-08 is $255 per product.
We estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost
of this AD on U.S. operators for the added airplanes to be $255 per
product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will
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 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 this AD, the MCAI, 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.
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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and adding
the following new AD:
2013-13-17 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17505. Docket No. FAA-
2012-1222; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-134-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 26,
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 free-play 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).
(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
[[Page 43763]]
10,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(h) Retained Follow-on Action With Revised Service Information
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 With Revised Service Information
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 Free-Play Check
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) New 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
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-28R1, dated June 12, 2012,
for related information, which can be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
(n) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
August 26, 2013.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated
March 5, 2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
August 1, 2011 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011).
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25, 2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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 June 21, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17210 Filed 7-19-13; 8:45 am]
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