Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 57 (Monday, March 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15115-15118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05524]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9054; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-081-AD; 
Amendment 39-18834; AD 2017-06-10]
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 reports of interior emergency lights remaining ``ON'' following 
routine operational checks of the emergency light system. This AD 
requires changing the wiring gauge for the affected emergency lights 
power supplies wiring to prevent overheating in the wires. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 1, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 1, 2017.

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.,

[[Page 15116]]

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-2016-
9054.

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-2016-
9054; 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 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 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on August 30, 2016 (81 FR 59539). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of interior emergency lights remaining ``ON'' following routine 
operational checks of the emergency light system. The NPRM proposed to 
require changing the wiring gauge for the affected emergency lights 
power supplies wiring to prevent overheating in the wires. Overheating 
can damage the wire insulation, potentially causing a fire.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2016-12, effective May 11, 2016 (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-
400 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    There have been several reports of Interior Emergency Lights 
remaining ``ON'' following routine operational checks of the 
Emergency Light System. During these events, the system could not be 
deactivated and the associated circuit breaker was also found 
tripped. The events were caused by the overheating of the negative 
interlock and ground wires at the Emergency Light System Power 
Supplies.
    Investigation has determined that the wire gauge of the negative 
interlock and ground wiring is incompatible with the current load 
experienced during the Emergency Light System operational check and 
this has led to the degradation of the wiring insulation.
    This [Canadian] AD is being issued to mandate the change of the 
wiring gauge from 22 to 20 American wire gauge (AWG) for the 
affected Emergency Lights Power Supplies wiring.

    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-2016-
9054.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International, stated that it 
supports the NPRM.

Requests To Refer to Updated Service Information and Provide Credit for 
Previous Service Information

    Horizon Air and Ryota Takeuchi requested that we revise the NPRM to 
specify that the wire gauge be changed in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-12, 
Revision B, dated June 28, 2016 (``SB 84-33-12, Revision B'').
    Horizon Air also requested that we revise the NPRM to provide 
credit for previous actions done using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
33-12, Revision A, dated January 19, 2016.
    We agree with these requests. We have determined that SB 84-33-12, 
Revision B, requires no additional actions for airplanes modified using 
previous revisions. Therefore, we have revised this final rule to refer 
to SB 84-33-12, Revision B. We have also revised paragraph (h) of this 
AD to include credit for actions accomplished before the effective date 
of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-12, Revision A, 
dated January 19, 2016.

Request To Reference Only the Actions Required for Compliance

    Horizon Air also requested that we revise paragraph (g) of the 
proposed AD to require that the wire gauge be changed in accordance 
with paragraph 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 84-33-12, 
Revision B. Horizon pointed out that incorporating the Job Set-up and 
Close Out sections of the Accomplishment Instructions restricts an 
operator's ability to perform other maintenance in conjunction with the 
requirements of the proposed AD.
    We agree with Horizon Air's request for the reason provided. We 
have revised this AD to reference only the actions necessary to address 
the unsafe condition specified in this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed SB 84-33-12, Revision B. This service information 
describes procedures for changing the wiring gauge for the affected 
emergency lights power supplies wiring to prevent overheating in the 
wires. 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 52 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 15117]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...........................  8 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $680         $35,360
                                         hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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):

2017-06-10 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18834; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9054; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-081-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 1, 2017.

(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, 
and 4003 through 4507 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 33, Lights.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of interior emergency lights 
remaining ``ON'' following routine operational checks of the 
emergency light system. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
overheating in the wires. Overheating can damage the wire 
insulation, potentially causing a fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement of Affected Wires

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, incorporate Bombardier 
Modification Summary 4-126620 to replace affected wires with a 
heavier wire gauge, in accordance with paragraph 3.B. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-12, 
Revision B, dated June 28, 2016.

(h) 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 84-33-12, dated 
September 29, 2015; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-12, 
Revision A, dated January 19, 2016.

(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), 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.
    (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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2016-12, effective May 
11, 2016, 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-2016-9054.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-12, Revision B, dated June 
28, 2016.
    (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 view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate,

[[Page 15118]]

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 March 14, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-05524 Filed 3-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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