Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51050-51053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19157]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0297; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-205-AD; 
Amendment 39-17550; AD 2013-16-12]
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-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a report of cracking in a lower longeron in a nacelle. This 
AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower longerons 
in the nacelles, and replacement with new longerons or repair if 
necessary.

[[Page 51051]]

Additionally, this AD specifies an optional terminating action. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result 
in degradation of the structural integrity of the nacelle and possible 
collapse of the main landing gear (MLG).

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 24, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
24, 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: Jeffrey Zimmer, 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) 228-7306; 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. 
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2013 (78 FR 
21079). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is 
the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness 
Directive CF-2012-27, dated November 2, 2012 (referred to after this as 
the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

    There has been one in-service report where a nacelle lower 
longeron was found to be cracked during a routine maintenance 
inspection. The investigation determined that the crack initiated 
from the right-hand side (RHS) drain hole. Fatigue testing has 
indicated that both the RHS and left-hand side (LHS) longerons are 
vulnerable to fatigue cracking. Failure of the nacelle lower 
longeron would result in a degradation of the structural integrity 
of the nacelle and could potentially lead to collapse of the main 
landing gear (MLG).
    This [Canadian] AD mandates initial and repeat inspections [for 
cracking] of the RHS and LHS nacelle lower longerons until the 
terminating action is accomplished.

    The initial inspection may be either a detailed inspection or a 
bolt-hole eddy current (BHEC) inspection. The repetitive inspection is 
a BHEC inspection. The corrective action is replacement of the longeron 
with a new longeron or repair. The optional terminating action is 
replacement of the nacelle lower longerons, and cold working of the 
drain holes. 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 (78 FR 21079, April 9, 
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Changes to Service Information References

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued revised service information, which 
specifies that no additional actions are necessary to address the 
identified unsafe condition. We have revised this AD to reference 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-54-39, Revision B, dated March 13, 2013, 
as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the 
required actions.
    We have also added Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-54-39, Revision A, 
dated August 2, 2012, to paragraph (k) of this AD, which provides 
credit for actions performed before the effective date of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes 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 (78 FR 21079, April 9, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 21079, April 9, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 51 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost     Cost per product                   Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive Inspections.............  21 work-hours x $85 per               $0  $1,785 per inspection   $91,035 per inspection cycle.
                                      hour = $1,785 per                         cycle.
                                      inspection cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...............................  100 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $23,849          $32,349
                                             $8,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 51052]]

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 this AD, the MCAI, 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.

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:

2013-16-12 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17550. Docket No. FAA-
2013-0297; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-205-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
24, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103 
airplanes, and airplanes converted to Model DHC-8-106 in accordance 
with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-92-07 or Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 8-92-08, serial numbers 003 through 287 inclusive, with 
pre-modification 8/1593 nacelle lower longeron installed; 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in a lower longeron 
in a nacelle. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such 
cracking, which could result in degradation of the structural 
integrity of the nacelle and possible collapse of the main landing 
gear (MLG).

(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) Initial Inspection

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), 
(g)(3), or (g)(4) of this AD: Do a detailed visual inspection or a 
bolt-hole eddy current (BHEC) test for cracking of each nacelle 
lower longeron, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-54-39, Revision B, dated March 13, 
2013.
    (1) For Model DHC-8-102 and -103 airplanes that have accumulated 
35,000 total flight cycles or less as of the effective date of this 
AD: Within 5,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
but not to exceed 36,000 total flight cycles.
    (2) For Model DHC-8-102 and -103 airplanes that have accumulated 
more than 35,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of 
this AD: Within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) For Model DHC-8-106 airplanes with the Pre-Modification 8/
1641 configuration, within 500 flight cycles after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (4) For Model DHC-8-106 airplanes with the Post-Modification 8/
1641 configuration, within 5,000 flight cycles after the effective 
date of this AD.

(h) Repetitive BHEC Testing

    After accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD: Do repetitive BHEC testing for cracking of each 
nacelle lower longeron, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-54-39, Revision B, 
dated March 13, 2013, until the terminating action specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD is done.
    (1) For Model DHC-8-102 and -103 airplanes, at intervals not to 
exceed 2,500 flight cycles.
    (2) For Model DHC-8-106 airplanes, at intervals not to exceed 
1,854 flight cycles.

(i) Replacement or Repair of Crack Longeron

    If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace any 
cracked nacelle lower longeron with a new longeron, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
8-54-39, Revision B, dated March 13, 2013; or repair the longeron 
using a method approved by either the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-
170, FAA, or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its 
delegated agent).

(j) Optional Terminating Action

    Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and 
(j)(2) of this AD constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
BHEC testing specified in paragraph (h) of this AD for that longeron 
only.
    (1) Replacement of the nacelle lower longeron, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
8-54-39, Revision B, dated March 13, 2013.
    (2) Cold working of the drain holes, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-54-39, 
Revision B, dated March 13, 2013.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-54-39, dated 
March 14, 2012; or using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-54-39, 
Revision A, dated August 2, 2012; which are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(l) 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. 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 manager of 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

[[Page 51053]]

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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-27, dated November 2, 2012, 
for related information, which can be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the address specified 
in paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD. You may review copies of 
this 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.

(n) 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 8-54-39, Revision B, dated March 
13, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 August 1, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19157 Filed 8-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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