Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 210 (Tuesday, October 30, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65617-65619]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26077]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0726; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-023-AD; 
Amendment 39-17228; AD 2012-21-12]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by cases of on-ground failure of the screw cap or end cap of hydraulic 
accumulators on other airplane models, resulting in high-energy impact 
damage to adjacent systems and structure. This AD requires inspecting 
for a part number and replacing the affected parking brake hydraulic 
accumulator, and relocating the parking brake accumulator, on the 
subject airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
screw caps and/or end caps of the parking brake hydraulic accumulator, 
which could result in damage to the airplane's primary structures, with 
potential adverse effect on the airplane's controllability.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 4, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 4, 
2012.

[[Page 65618]]


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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531; email 
[email protected].

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. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 2, 2012 (77 
FR 45981). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    Seven cases of on-ground hydraulic accumulator/screw cap/end cap 
failure have been experienced on CL-600-2B19 (CRJ) aeroplanes, 
resulting in loss of the associated hydraulic system and high-energy 
impact damage to adjacent systems and structure. To date, the lowest 
number of flight cycles accumulated at the time of failure has been 
6991.
    Although there have been no failures to date on any DHC-8 
aeroplanes, similar accumulators to those installed on the CL-600-
2B19, Part Number (P/N) 08-60197-001 (Parking Brake Accumulator), 
are installed on the aeroplanes listed in the Applicability section 
of this [Canadian] Airworthiness Directive (AD). It was also found 
that some of these accumulators may be affected by manufacturing 
non-conformances.
    A detailed analysis of the systems and structure in the 
potential line of trajectory of a failed screw cap/end cap for the 
accumulator has been conducted. It has been identified that the 
worst-case scenarios would be the damage to the aeroplane's primary 
structures, which could have an adverse effect on the 
controllability of the aeroplane.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the [inspection for part and serial 
numbers and] replacement of the affected hydraulic accumulators and 
the relocation of the parking brake accumulator.

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 received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 45981, August 2, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed-except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 45981, August 2, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 45981, August 2, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 83 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 17 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $5,205 
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs 
that are 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 this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $551,950, or $6,650 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $4,643, for a cost of 
$4,898 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 the NPRM (77 FR 45981, August 2, 
2012), 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.

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 AD:


[[Page 65619]]


2012-21-12 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17228. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0726; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-023-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 4, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -
402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001 
through 4346 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by cases of on-ground hydraulic 
accumulator/screw cap/end cap failure, resulting in high-energy 
impact damage to adjacent systems and structure. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of the screw caps and/or end caps of the 
hydraulic and parking brake accumulators, which could result in 
damage to the airplane's primary structures, with potential adverse 
effect on the airplane's controllability.

(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) Inspection/Replacement of the Parking Brake Hydraulic Accumulator

    For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4337 inclusive: 
Within 1,200 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever comes first, inspect the parking brake hydraulic 
accumulator to determine the part number and serial number, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16, 2011.
    (1) If the part number of the parking brake hydraulic 
accumulator can be determined by the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and is not identified in paragraph 1., 
Effectivity, of Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, 
dated February 1, 2011: No further action is required by this 
paragraph.
    (2) If the part number and serial number of the parking brake 
hydraulic accumulator cannot be determined by the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, or is identified in paragraph 
1. Effectivity, of Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, 
dated February 1, 2011: Before further flight, replace the parking 
brake hydraulic accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 
16, 2011.

(h) Relocation of the Parking Brake Hydraulic Accumulator

    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4068 
inclusive, 4070 through 4214 inclusive, 4216, 4219 through 4261 
inclusive, and 4263 through 4346 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, relocate the parking 
brake hydraulic accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, 
dated November 22, 2011.
    (2) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of 
this AD in accordance with previous revisions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-32-87 does not meet the requirements of paragraph (h)(1) 
of this AD.

(i) 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), 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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-04, dated 
January 13, 2012, and the service information identified in 
paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(3) of this AD, for related 
information.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, dated 
November 22, 2011.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16, 
2011.
    (3) Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, dated 
February 1, 2011.

(k) 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.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, dated 
November 22, 2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16, 
2011.
    (iii) Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, dated 
February 1, 2011.
    (3) For Bombardier, Inc., 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. For Goodrich service information 
identified in this AD, contact Goodrich Corporation, Landing Gear, 
1400 South Service Road, West Oakville L6L 5Y7, Ontario, Canada; 
telephone 905-825-1568; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.goodrich.com/TechPubs.
    (4) 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.
    (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 October 11, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26077 Filed 10-29-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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