Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31492-31495]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11427]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0703; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-004-AD; 
Amendment 39-18518; AD 2016-10-07]
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 a report of a pilot 
commanding an in-flight engine shut down in response to a low oil 
pressure warning indication. Further investigation revealed the 
mounting studs in the engine mounted alternating current (AC) generator 
mounting plate were pulled out of position and the threaded interface 
in the plate was corroded. This AD requires repetitive inspections for 
discrepancies on certain AC generator mounting adapters, and replacing 
discrepant adapters with serviceable ones. This AD also requires 
revising the maintenance program to incorporate a repetitive task 
specified in certain temporary revisions. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct corrosion in the AC generator mounting plate, which 
could result in a gap between the AC generator and the generator 
mounting plate, and cause loss of engine oil and consequent engine 
failure.

DATES: This AD is effective June 23, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 23, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. You may view this referenced 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. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2013-0703.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0703; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West

[[Page 31493]]

Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, 
and -315 airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on 
January 13, 2016 (81 FR 1563), (``the SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM 
with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the 
Federal Register on August 28, 2013 (78 FR 53080), (``the NPRM''). The 
NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for discrepancies on 
certain AC generator mounting adapters, and replacing discrepant 
adapters with serviceable ones. The NPRM also proposed to require 
revising the maintenance program to incorporate a repetitive task 
specified in certain temporary revisions. The NPRM was prompted by a 
report of a pilot commanding an in-flight engine shut down in response 
to a low oil pressure warning indication. Further investigation 
revealed the mounting studs in the engine mounted AC generator mounting 
plate were pulled out of position and the threaded interface in the 
plate was corroded.
    The SNPRM proposed to require the actions specified in the NPRM, 
and to expand the proposed applicability. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct corrosion in the AC generator mounting plate, which 
could result in a gap between the AC generator and the generator 
mounting plate, and cause loss of engine oil and consequent engine 
failure.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive, CF-
2012-29R1, effective April 28, 2015 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-
102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    An incident has been reported, on the DHC-8 aeroplane, where a 
pilot commanded in-flight engine shut down in response to an engine 
low oil pressure warning indication.
    Further investigation revealed the mounting studs in the engine 
mounted alternating current (AC) generator mounting plate were 
pulled out of position and the threaded interface in the plate 
corroded. This resulted in a gap between the AC generator and the 
generator mounting plate, leading to the loss of engine oil and the 
ensuing illumination of the associated engine low oil pressure 
warning indication.
    To ensure the integrity of the affected units, Part I of this 
[Canadian] AD mandates an inspection of the affected AC generator 
mounting adapters part numbers (P/N) 31708-500 or 31708-501, and, as 
applicable, replacement with new or serviceable mounting plates.
    Part II of this [Canadian] AD mandates the incorporation of a 
repeat Maintenance Review Board (MRB) inspection applicable to the 
replacement of the AC generator mounting adapters P/Ns 31708-510 or 
31708-511 only.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD is issued to include additional 
aeroplane serial numbers (003 through 018) to the Applicability 
section, and to clarify the compliance schedules in Part I B. and 
Part II below [in this Canadian AD].

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0703.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM or on the determination 
of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this 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 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 8-24-88, Revision A, 
dated September 23, 2014. This service information describes repetitive 
inspections for discrepancies on certain AC generator mounting 
adapters, and replacing discrepant adapters with serviceable ones.
    Bombardier, Inc. has also issued the following de Havilland service 
information, which introduces MRB Report Task 2420/14, ``Functional 
Check (pull test) of the AC generator adapter kit.''
    <bullet> de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 MRB Report Temporary 
Revision MRB-153, dated July 10, 2012, to Section 2--Systems, in Part 1 
of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-
8-7.
    <bullet> de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 MRB Report Temporary 
Revision MRB 2-31, dated July 10, 2012, to Section 2--Systems, in Part 
1 of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 
1-82-7.
    <bullet> de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 MRB Report Temporary 
Revision MRB 3-162, dated July 10, 2012, to Section 2--Systems, in Part 
1 of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 
1-83-7.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 88 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $4,000 per product. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $396,880, or $4,510 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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

[[Page 31494]]

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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-10-07 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18518. Docket No. FAA-
2013-0703; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-004-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 23, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    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 003 through 672 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a pilot commanding an in-
flight engine shut down in response to a low oil pressure warning 
indication. Further investigation revealed the mounting studs in the 
engine mounted alternating current (AC) generator mounting plate 
were pulled out of position and the threaded interface in the plate 
corroded. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in 
the AC generator mounting plate, which could result in a gap between 
the AC generator and the generator mounting plate, and cause loss of 
engine oil and consequent engine failure.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection of AC Generator Mounting Adaptor and Corrective Action

    Within 6,000 flight hours, or 36 months, or when the AC 
generator is removed for service, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection and a 
mechanical inspection for discrepancies (i.e., damage, corrosion, 
and failed mechanical inspection) on AC generator mounting adapters 
having part number (P/N) 31708-500 and P/N 31708-501, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
8-24-88, Revision A, dated September 23, 2014. If any discrepancy 
(i.e., damage, corrosion, or failed mechanical inspection) is found, 
before further flight, replace the AC generator mounting adapter 
with a serviceable mounting adapter having P/N 31708-510, P/N 31708-
511, P/N 31708-500, or P/N 31708-501, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, 
Revision A, dated September 23, 2014.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    For in-service mounting adapters that have P/N 31708-500 or P/N 
31708-501: Repeat the general visual and mechanical inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 6,000 flight hours, or 36 months after the most recent 
inspection, or when the AC generator is removed for service, 
whichever occurs first.

(i) Replacement of Certain AC Generator Mounting Adaptors

    For airplanes having AC generator mounting adapters that have P/
N 31708-500 or P/N 31708-501: Within the later of the times 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, replace the AC 
generator mounting adapter with a new AC generator mounting adapter 
having P/N 31708-510 or P/N 31708-511.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 120 months on the AC generator 
mounting adapter.
    (2) Within 12 months, or 2,000 flight hours, or when the 
generator is removed from service, whichever occurs first after the 
effective date of this AD.

(j) Airplane Maintenance Program Revision

    For airplanes having AC generator mounting adapters that have P/
N 31708-510 or P/N 31708-511: Within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD, revise the airplane maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, by incorporating maintenance review board 
(MRB) Report Task 2420/14, ``Functional Check (pull test) of the AC 
generator adapter kit,'' in the applicable maintenance program 
manual specified in paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD. 
The initial compliance time for MRB Task 2420/14 is prior to the 
accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours or within 60 months since 
installation of the part, whichever occurs first.
    (1) For Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes: de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 100 MRB Report Temporary Revision MRB-153, dated July 
10, 2012, to Section 2--Systems, of the de Havilland 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 MRB Report Temporary Revision MRB 2-31, dated July 10, 
2012, to Section 2--Systems, of the de Havilland 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 MRB Report Temporary Revision MRB 3-162, dated 
July 10, 2012, to Section 2--Systems, of the de Havilland Dash 8 
Series 300 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-83-7.

(k) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m)(1) of 
this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, dated 
December 13, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.

(m) 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, NY 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 31495]]

approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, 
ANE-170, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2012-29R1, dated April 28, 2015, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket 
No. FAA-2013-0703.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, Revision A, dated 
September 23, 2014.
    (ii) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Review Board 
(MRB) Report Temporary Revision MRB-153, dated July 10, 2012, to 
Section 2--Systems, of Part 1 of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 
Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-8-7.
    (iii) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 MRB Report Temporary 
Revision MRB 2-31, dated July 10, 2012, to Section 2--Systems, of 
Part 1 of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Program 
Manual PSM 1-82-7.
    (iv) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 MRB Report Temporary 
Revision MRB 3-162, dated July 10, 2012, to Section 2--Systems, of 
Part 1 of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Program 
Manual PSM 1-83-7 MRB Report.
    (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 view 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.
    (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 May 6, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11427 Filed 5-18-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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