Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 29, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45570-45572]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-21494]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-371-AD; Amendment 39-12414; AD 2001-17-23]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -
300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series 
airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection to 
detect damage of the ladder plates and access cover areas of the upper 
surface of the wings; repair, if necessary; and installation of new O-
ring seals. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
damage of the upper wing ladder plates, which could result in 
displacement of the adjacent channel seals and consequent reduced 
lightning strike protection of the fuel tanks.

DATES: Effective October 3, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 3, 2001.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 
123 Garrett Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. This 
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James E. Delisio, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New 
York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7521; fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-
100, -200, and -300 series airplanes was published as a supplemental 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on January 
5, 2001 (66 FR 1057). That action proposed to require a one-time 
detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the ladder plates and 
access cover areas of the upper surface of the wings; repair, if 
necessary; and installation of new O-ring seals. That action also 
proposed to revise the inspection requirements of the original NPRM by 
correcting a reference to a repair manual.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 516 Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series

[[Page 45571]]

airplanes in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 235 Model DHC-
8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $84,600, or $360 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-17-23  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): 
Amendment 39-12414. Docket 99-NM-371-AD.

    Applicability: Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, 
having serial numbers 003 through 528 inclusive and 531; 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent damage of the upper wing ladder plates, which could 
result in displacement of the adjacent channel seals and consequent 
reduced lightning strike protection of the fuel tanks, accomplish 
the following:

Inspection and Repair

    (a) Within 9 months or at the next maintenance period during 
which the fuel tanks are accessed after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs earlier: Perform a one-time detailed visual 
inspection to detect damage (i.e., fretting and/or corrosion) of the 
ladder plates and access cover areas of the upper surface of the 
wings per paragraph III.A., III.B., or III.C., as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-57-41, 
Revision ``C'', dated August 4, 2000.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate access procedures may be required.''

    (1) If no damage is detected, prior to further flight, install 
new 0.103-inch-diameter O-ring seals per paragraph III.A., III.B., 
or III.C., as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
service bulletin.
    (2) If any damage is detected that is within the limits 
specified in de Havilland Dash 8 Generic Structural Repair Schemes 
Manual PSM 1-8-3RS or PSM 1-82-3RS Chapter 57 (``Contents'' and 
``Repair Index''), before further flight, repair the damage per de 
Havilland Dash 8 Generic Structural Repair Schemes Manual PSM 1-8-
3RS or PSM 1-82-3RS Chapter 57 (``Contents'' and ``Repair Index''), 
and install new 0.103-inch-diameter O-ring seals per paragraph 
III.A., III.B., or III.C., as applicable, of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin.
    (3) If any damage is detected that is outside the limits 
specified in de Havilland Dash 8 Generic Structural Repair Schemes 
Manual PSM 1-8-3RS or PSM 1-82-3RS Chapter 57 (``Contents'' and 
``Repair Index''), before further flight, repair per a method 
approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, and install new 0.103-inch-diameter O-ring seals.

    Note 3: Although the Bombardier service bulletin includes 
references to solvents that are not available for use in the United 
States, operators may use appropriate substitute solvents per 
standard industry maintenance practices.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, New York ACO, FAA. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, New York ACO.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this 
AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 8-57-41, Revision ``C'', dated August 4, 2000. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier 
Regional Aircraft Division, 123 Garrett Boulevard, Downsview, 
Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 
10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.


[[Page 45572]]


    Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-99-20, dated July 20, 1999.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 3, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 20, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-21494 Filed 8-28-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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