Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 6, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13193-13194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4494]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1230; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-141-AD; 
Amendment 39-16964; AD 2012-04-08]
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 
Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes and Model DHC-8-200, -300, 
and -400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking 
of the DHC-8 Series 100 rudder actuator mounting bracket. This AD 
requires modifying the mounting adapters of the power control unit 
(PCU). We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of both rudder PCU 
actuators which could result in free play of the rudder control surface 
and loss of controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 10, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 10, 
2012.

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

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 November 18, 2011 
(76 FR 71470). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Several reports have been received regarding cracking of the 
DHC-8 Series 100 rudder actuator mounting bracket. An investigation 
revealed that the mounting bracket has been under-designed based on 
the static and endurance loading conditions. The failure of the 
mounting brackets that attach the power control unit (PCU) to the 
airframe could result in a loss of the rudder actuating system. The 
loss of both rudder PCU actuators could result in free play of the 
rudder control surface and potentially induce a flutter condition.
    This [TCCA] directive mandates the installation of a new design 
of rudder actuator mounting bracket [adapter].

    The unsafe condition is loss of controllability of the airplane. 
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 considered the comment received. The commenter supports the 
NPRM (76 FR 71470, November 18, 2011).

Explanation of Change Made to This AD

    We have revised the heading for and the wording in paragraph (h) of 
this AD; this change has not changed the intent of that paragraph.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. We 
have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (76 FR 71470, November 18, 2011) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 71470, November 18, 2011).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 171 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take up to 10 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 up to $2,856 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on 
U.S. operators to be up to $633,726, or $3,706 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.

[[Page 13194]]

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 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 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 (76 FR 71470, November 18, 
2011), 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:

2012-04-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-16964. Docket No. FAA-
2011-1230; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-141-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 10, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -
315 airplanes, serial numbers 003 through 672 inclusive.
    (2) Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 
4001 through 4343 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the DHC-8 Series 
100 rudder actuator mounting bracket. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent loss of both rudder PCU actuators which could result in free 
play of the rudder control surface and loss of controllability of 
the airplane.

(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) Free-Play Check and Corrective Actions

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 3 years after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, do the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and 
-315 airplanes: Install a new CRES mounting adapter with new bolts 
by incorporating MODSUM 8Q101890, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-110, 
Revision C, dated May 13, 2011.
    (2) For DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes: Replace the 
existing upper and lower mounting adapters of the PCU with 
redesigned adapters by incorporating MODSUM 4-113655, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
84-27-53, dated November 26, 2010.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-
110, Revision A, dated December 3, 2010; or Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 8-27-110, Revision B, dated January 31, 2011.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO, ANE-170, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information 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-2011-12, dated 
June 6, 2011; Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-110, Revision C, 
dated May 13, 2011; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-53, dated 
November 26, 2010; for related information.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-110, Revision C, dated May 
13, 2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-53, dated November 26, 
2010.
    (2) 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.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 17, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-4494 Filed 3-5-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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