Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6546-6547]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-2681]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-79-AD; Amendment 39-13472; AD 2004-03-28]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, 
-201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 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-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -
202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, that requires a one-time 
inspection to determine the serial numbers of the elevator and aileron 
servos of the drive assemblies of the automatic flight control system, 
and follow-on corrective actions if necessary. This action is necessary 
to prevent separation of the screws from the autopilot clutch assembly 
of the SM-300 servo, which could result in uncommanded engagement of 
the autopilot servo and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective March 17, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 17, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 
123 Garratt 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, New York; 
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ezra Sasson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, New York 11581; 
telephone (516) 228-7300; fax (516) 794-5531.

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-
102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes was 
published in the Federal Register on December 11, 2003 (68 FR 69057). 
That action proposed to require a one-time inspection to determine the 
serial numbers of the elevator and aileron servos of the drive 
assemblies of the automatic flight control system, and follow-on 
corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

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

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 200 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD. It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
accomplish the inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $13,000, or $65 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

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator,

[[Page 6547]]

the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-03-28 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 
39-13472. Docket 2002-NM-79-AD.

    Applicability: Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -
311, and -315 airplanes; serial numbers 003 through 580 inclusive; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent separation of the screws in the autopilot clutch 
assembly of the SM-300 servo, which could result in uncommanded 
engagement of the autopilot servo and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

One-Time Inspection/Follow-on Corrective Action, if Necessary

    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection to determine the serial numbers of the 
elevator and aileron servo drive assemblies of the automatic flight 
control system per paragraphs III.1. and III.2. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-
22-18, Revision `B', dated November 19, 2001.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (1) If any elevator or aileron servo, part number (P/N) 7002260-
922, or any aileron servo, P/N 7002260-923, with serial numbers 4826 
through 5935 inclusive, is found: Before further flight, do all the 
follow-on actions per paragraphs III.3. and III.4. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-
22-18, Revision ``B'', dated November 19, 2001; and per paragraphs 
3.A. through 3.F. of the Honeywell Accomplishment Instructions 
specified on pages 14 through 17 of the Bombardier service bulletin.
    (2) If no serial number specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD 
is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.

Part Installation

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an elevator or aileron servo, P/N 7002260-922, or an aileron servo, 
P/N 7002260-923, with serial numbers 4826 through 5935 inclusive, on 
any airplane.

    Note 2: Although Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-22-18, 
Revision ``B'', dated November 19, 2001, specifies accomplishment of 
concurrent requirements, this AD does not include those 
requirements.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier 
Alert Service Bulletin A8-22-18, Revision `B', dated November 19, 
2001. 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 Regional Aircraft 
Division, 123 Garratt 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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, New 
York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2001-40, dated November 9, 2001.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 17, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 3, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-2681 Filed 2-11-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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