Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 5, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14158-14160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-04006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0861; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-074-AD; 
Amendment 39-17364; AD 2013-04-07]
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-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, 
and -315 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the loss of the 
fixed frequency system, leading to the loss of power to the left and 
right buses and all systems serviced by these buses. This AD requires 
modification of the wiring and changes to existing airworthiness 
limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the fixed 
frequency system, which could lead to loss of a number of the pilot's 
and co-pilot's flight instruments, in addition to other avionics 
systems.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 9, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 9, 
2013.

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: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7301; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 14159]]

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 28, 2012 (77 
FR 51946). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    There have been several reported occurrences of the loss of the 
400Hz [hertz] Fixed Frequency System, leading to the loss of power 
to the Left 115VAC [alternating current] bus, the Right 115VAC bus, 
the Left 26VAC bus, the Right 26VAC bus and all systems serviced by 
these four electrical buses. The loss of the 400Hz Fixed Frequency 
System has been attributed to a failure of one or two static 
inverters, which resulted in the loss of the remaining inverters. 
The loss of systems serviced by the four fixed frequency electrical 
buses creates an unsafe condition due to the loss of a number of the 
pilot's and co-pilot's flight instruments, in addition to the other 
avionics systems.
    This [Canadian] Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates the wiring 
modification to untie the 400Hz inverters and additional 
Airworthiness Limitation tasks introduced as a result of this 
modification.

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 have considered the comment received.

Request To Add Airplanes to the Applicability

    All Nippon Airways (ANA) requested that Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-
8-314 airplanes be added to the applicability of the NPRM (77 FR 51946, 
August 28, 2012). ANA stated that Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-87, 
dated May 26, 2011, included Model DHC-8-314 airplanes in its 
effectivity, while Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-87, Revision A, 
dated October 5, 2011, excluded it.
    We disagree with ANA's request. Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-314 
airplanes are not on the U.S. type certificate data sheet; therefore, 
no change is necessary. We have not changed this final rule in this 
regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 94 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 9 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $71,910, or $765 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 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 51946, August 28, 
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:

2013-04-07 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17364. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0861; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-074-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 9, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -
106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers 002 through 672 inclusive.
    (2) This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance 
with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired 
in the areas addressed by these actions, the operator may not be 
able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued operational safety of the airplane.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of the loss of the fixed 
frequency system, leading to

[[Page 14160]]

the loss of power to the left and right buses and all systems 
serviced by these buses. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of 
the fixed frequency system, which could lead to loss of a number of 
the pilot's and co-pilot's flight instruments, in addition to other 
avionics systems.

(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) Wiring Modifications

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Incorporate the wiring 
modifications specified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-87, 
Revision B, dated April 3, 2012.

(h) Airplane Maintenance Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
airplane maintenance program by incorporating Task 2420/13, 
Operational Check of Relays K4, K5, K6, and K7 (Post Modsum 
8Q101917), in the applicable temporary revision specified in 
paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD. The initial 
compliance time for Task 2420/13 is within 18,000 flight hours after 
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, or 
30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (1) For Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes: de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision AWL-117, dated April 8, 2011, 
to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of Part 2, Airworthiness 
Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Program 
Manual, PSM 1-8-7.
    (2) For Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes: de Havilland Dash 8 
Series 200 Temporary Revision AWL 2-48, dated April 8, 2011, to 
Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of Part 2, Airworthiness 
Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Program 
Manual, PSM 1-82-7.
    (3) For Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315 airplanes: de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision AWL 3-118, dated April 8, 2011, 
to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of Part 2, Airworthiness 
Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Program 
Manual, PSM 1-83-7.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used, unless the actions and intervals are approved as an AMOC in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this 
AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-87, 
dated May 26, 2011; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-87, Revision 
A, dated October 5, 2011; which are not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.

(k) 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.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-09, dated 
February 15, 2012, and the service information specified in 
paragraphs (l)(1) through (l)(4) of this AD, for related 
information.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-87, Revision B, dated April 
3, 2012.
    (2) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision AWL-117, 
dated April 8, 2011, to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of Part 
2, Airworthiness Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 100 
Maintenance Program Manual, PSM 1-8-7.
    (3) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Temporary Revision AWL 2-48, 
dated April 8, 2011, to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of Part 
2, Airworthiness Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 200 
Maintenance Program Manual, PSM 1-82-7.
    (4) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision AWL 3-118, 
dated April 8, 2011, to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of Part 
2, Airworthiness Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 300 
Maintenance Program Manual, PSM 1-83-7.

(m) 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 8-24-87, Revision B, dated April 
3, 2012.
    (ii) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision AWL-117, 
dated April 8, 2011, to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of Part 
2, Airworthiness Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 100 
Maintenance Program Manual, PSM 1-8-7.
    (iii) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Temporary Revision AWL 2-
48, dated April 8, 2011, to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of 
Part 2, Airworthiness Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 
200 Maintenance Program Manual, PSM 1-82-7.
    (iv) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision AWL 3-
118, dated April 8, 2011, to Section AWL2--Systems Maintenance, of 
Part 2, Airworthiness Limitations, of the Bombardier Dash 8 Series 
300 Maintenance Program Manual, PSM 1-83-7.
    (3) 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.
    (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 February 11, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-04006 Filed 3-4-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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