[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 1, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25642-25644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10483]
[[Page 25642]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0422; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-177-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports that various pushrods had been manufactured with
tubes having the incorrect heat treatment. This proposed AD would
require replacing the affected pushrod assembly. We are proposing this
AD to prevent loss of rudder control, reduced directional control of
the airplane on the ground, or a jammed nose landing gear (NLG) door
that could prevent the NLG from retracting or extending.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 15, 2012.
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, Washington. 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, 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-2012-0422;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-177-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
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2011-31, dated August
15, 2011 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
It was discovered that various pushrods installed on the DHC-8
Series 100/200/300/400 aeroplanes had been manufactured with tubes
having the incorrect heat treatment, using 6061-T4 instead of 6061-
T6. The incorrect heat treatment appreciably degrades the strength
of these affected pushrods. Failure of these affected pushrods could
result in a loss of rudder control, reduced directional control of
the aeroplane on the ground or a jammed nose landing gear (NLG) door
that could prevent the NLG from retracting or extending.
This [TCCA] directive mandates the replacement of the affected
pushrod assembly.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued the following service bulletins. The actions
described in this service information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
Service Bulletin 8-27-99, dated October 10, 2008;
Service Bulletin 8-27-100, Revision A, dated March 22,
2011;
Service Bulletin 8-32-156, dated February 26, 2010;
Service Bulletin 84-27-21, Revision A, dated March 22,
2011;
Service Bulletin 84-32-28, dated November 27, 2008; and
Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
For certain actions on the same part, the MCAI specified both 3,000
and 6,000 flight-hour compliance times. To reconcile that difference,
this proposed AD has a compliance time of 3,000 flight hours after the
effective date of the AD, for the action in paragraph (k) of this
proposed AD. We have determined this compliance time is necessary to
address the identified unsafe condition in a timely manner. This
difference has been coordinated with TCCA.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 171 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 28 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $6,504 per product. Where
the service information lists required parts costs that are
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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 the proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be $1,519,164, or $8,884 per product.
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 adding the following new AD:
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2012-0422; Directorate Identifier
2011-NM-177-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 15, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc. airplanes, certificated
in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of
this AD.
(1) Model DHC-8-102,-103,-106,-201, -202,-301,-311, and -315
airplanes, serial numbers 413, 443, 450 through 452 inclusive, 456,
458, 462 through 465 inclusive, 467 through 470 inclusive, and 473
through 588 inclusive.
(2) Model DHC-8-400,-401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers
4001, 4003 through 4006 inclusive, and 4008 through 4197 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
controls; and Code 32: Landing gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports that various pushrods had been
manufactured with tubes having the incorrect heat treatment. We are
issuing this AD to prevent loss of rudder control, reduced
directional control of the airplane on the ground, or a jammed nose
landing gear (NLG) door that could prevent the NLG from retracting
or extending.
(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) Replace Brake Rudder Control Pushrod--Model DHC-8-100, -200, -300
For Model DHC-8-102,-103,-106,-201, -202,-301,-311, and -315
airplanes, serial numbers 464, 508, 511 through 513 inclusive, and
515 through 588 inclusive: Within 3,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, replace the affected brake rudder control
pushrod, part number (P/N) 82710274-001, by incorporating Modsum
8Q101334, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-100, Revision A, dated March 22,
2011.
(h) Replace NLG Door Pushrod--Model DHC-8-200, -300
For Model DHC-8-201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes,
serial numbers 552 through 588 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight hours
after the effective date of this AD, replace nose landing gear door
pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, by incorporating Modsum 8Q101335, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 8-32-156, dated February 26, 2010.
(i) Replace NLG Door Pushrod--Model DHC-8-400
For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers
4003 through 4005 inclusive, 4009 through 4011 inclusive, 4016,
4017, and 4024 through 4072 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight hours
after the effective date of this AD, replace nose landing gear door
pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, by incorporating Modsum 4-113457, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84-32-28, dated November 27, 2008.
(j) Replace Brake Rudder Control and Rudder Control Pushrods--Model
DHC-8-400
For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers
4001, 4003 through 4006 inclusive, and 4008 through 4072 inclusive:
Within 3,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
replace brake rudder control pushrod, P/N 82710274-001, and rudder
control pushrod, P/N 82710028-003, by incorporating Modsum 4-113455,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84-27-21, Revision A, dated March 22, 2011.
(k) Replace Rudder Control Pushrod--Model DHC-8-100, -200, -300
For Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -
315 airplanes, serial numbers 413, 443, 450 through 452 inclusive,
456, 458, 462 through 465 inclusive, 467 through 470 inclusive, and
473 through 588 inclusive: Within 3,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, replace rudder control pushrod, P/N
82710028-003, by incorporating Modsum 8Q101333, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-
99, dated October 10, 2008.
(l) Inspect/Replace NLG Landing Gear Door Pushrod
For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers
4006, 4008, 4012 through 4015 inclusive, 4018 through 4023
inclusive, and 4073 through 4197 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, inspect the lot number of
the pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, for the nose landing gear door
mechanism, in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75,
dated June 1, 2010.
(1) If the lot number of the pushrod does not match any of those
listed in the table in paragraph 3.B.(2) of Bombardier Service
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Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010, no further action is required
by this paragraph.
(2) If the lot number of the pushrod matches any of those listed
in the table in paragraph 3.B.(2) of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
32-75, dated June 1, 2010, before further flight, replace the
pushrod, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., Rectification, of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010.
(m) Parts Installation
For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers
4006, 4008, 4012 through 4015 inclusive, 4018 through 4023
inclusive, and 4073 through 4197 inclusive: As of the effective date
of this AD, no person may install a pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, with
the lot number listed in the table in paragraph 3.B.(2) of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010, on any
airplane.
(n) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using the service bulletins
identified in paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of this AD.
(1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-100, dated October 10, 2008
(for paragraph (g) of this AD).
(2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-21, dated October 10, 2008
(for paragraph (j) of this AD).
(o) 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, 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.
(p) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Canadian AD CF-2011-31, dated August 15, 2011, and
the Bombardier service bulletins identified in paragraphs (p)(1)
through (p)(6) of this AD, for related information.
(1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-99, dated October 10, 2008.
(2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-100, Revision A, dated
March 22, 2011.
(3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-156, dated February 26,
2010.
(4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-21, Revision A, dated
March 22, 2011.
(5) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-28, dated November 27,
2008.
(6) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-10483 Filed 4-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P