[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 60 (Friday, March 28, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17390-17393]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06636]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0171; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-038-AD;
Amendment 39-17812; AD 2014-06-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive
functional checks of the nose and main landing gear, and corrective
actions if necessary. This AD also provides optional terminating action
for the repetitive functional checks. This AD was prompted by a report
that the emergency downlock indication system (EDIS) had given a false
landing gear down-and-locked indication. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct a false down-and-locked landing gear indication,
which, on landing, could result in possible collapse of the landing
gear.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 14, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 14,
2014.
We must receive comments on this AD by May 12, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
[[Page 17391]]
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: 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 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 view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0171; 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 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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax: (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-
11, dated February 13, 2014 (the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
During an in-service event where the landing gear control panel
indicated an unsafe nose landing gear, the flight crew observed that
all three green lights were illuminated on the emergency downlock
indication system. The nose landing gear was not down and locked,
and collapsed during landing.
Investigation found ambient light and wiring shorts can lead to
incorrect illumination of the green lights on the emergency downlock
indication system.
This [TCCA] AD mandates the functional check of the nose and
main landing gear alternate indication phototransistors and the
modification of the emergency downlock indication system.
The unsafe condition is a false down-and-locked landing gear
indication, which, on landing, could result in possible collapse of the
landing gear. This AD provides the modification as optional terminating
action for the repetitive functional checks of the alternate indication
phototransistors of the nose and main landing gear. You may examine the
MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0171.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued the following service bulletins.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-173, Revision A, dated
December 17, 2012.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-176, Revision A, dated
February 22, 2013.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-177, dated October 9, 2013.
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-56, Revision A, dated
February 22, 2013.
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 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Difference Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-11, dated February 13,
2014, requires modification of the EDIS. We have determined that this
EDIS modification would eliminate the need for the functional checks of
the alternate indication phototransistors of the nose and main landing
gear required by this AD. Therefore, this final rule provides for the
modification as an optional terminating action for the functional
checks. However, we are considering further rulemaking to require the
modification on all affected airplanes.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
ambient light and wiring shorts can lead to incorrect illumination of
the green lights on the EDIS. This condition could lead to the landing
gear not being down and locked, and consequent landing gear collapse
during landing. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity
for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that
good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0171; Directorate
Identifier 2014-NM-038-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 85 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product
to comply with the 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.
[[Page 17392]]
operators to be $21,675, or $255 per product, per inspection cycle.
We estimate that it would take up to 40 work-hours per product to
do the optional terminating action provided in this AD. Parts would
cost up to $19,436.00 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be up to $1,941,060, or
$22,836 per product.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, all of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2014-06-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17812. Docket No. FAA-
2014-0171; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-038-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective April 14, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103,
-106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in
any category, serial numbers 003 through 672 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that the emergency downlock
indication system had given a false landing gear down-and-locked
indication. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a false
down-and-locked landing gear indication, which, on landing, could
result in possible collapse of the landing gear.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Functional Check
Within 600 flight hours or 100 days, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD: Perform a functional check of
the alternate indication phototransistors of the nose and main
landing gear; and do all applicable corrective actions; in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 8-32-173, Revision A, dated December 17, 2012. Do
all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the
functional check thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight
hours or 100 days, whichever occurs first, until accomplishment of
the applicable actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(h) Optional Terminating Action
Accomplishment of the applicable actions specified in paragraphs
(h)(1) through (h)(3) of this AD terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes configured as described in Modsum 8/1519:
Incorporate Modsum 8Q101968, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-56, Revision A,
dated February 22, 2013.
(2) For airplanes configured as described in Modsum 8/0235, 8/
0461, and 8/0534: Incorporate Modsum 8Q101955, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-
176, Revision A, dated February 22, 2013.
(3) For airplanes not configured as described in Modsum 8/0534:
Incorporate Modsum 8Q101969, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-177, dated October
9, 2013.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-
173, dated October 28, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference
in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-
33-56, dated February 11, 2013, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-
32-176, dated February 11, 2013, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(j) 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 ATTN: 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.
[[Page 17393]]
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer, use these actions if they
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its
delegated agent, or the DAH with a State of Design Authority's
design organization approval, as applicable). You are required to
ensure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-11, dated February
13, 2014, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2014-0171.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified
in paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.
(l) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-173, Revision A, dated
December 17, 2012.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-176, Revision A, dated
February 22, 2013.
(iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-177, dated October 9,
2013.
(iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-56, Revision A, dated
February 22, 2013.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this 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 March 19, 2014.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06636 Filed 3-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P