Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 100 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24022-24025]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-10339]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9438; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-109-AD; 
Amendment 39-18873; AD 2017-09-11]
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 interruptions in the airstair door operation. This AD 
requires repetitive inspections and modification of the handrail 
hardware. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 29, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 29, 
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., 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-2016-9438.

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-
9438; 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,

[[Page 24023]]

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: Cesar A. Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 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 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 December 16, 2016 (81 FR 91058) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM 
was prompted by reports of interruptions in the airstair door 
operation. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections and 
modification of the handrail hardware. We are issuing this AD to ensure 
the ability to evacuate passengers through the airstair door in the 
event of an emergency.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2015-02, dated January 27, 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-
400, -401, and -402 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A number of airstair door operation interruptions have been 
reported. In one case, the airstair door could not be opened. It was 
found that the airstair door handrail holder bracket was deformed 
and became lodged into the adjacent wardrobe bulkhead, which 
prevented the door from opening.
    On airstair doors with Jetway Compatible option, a deformed 
handrail holder bracket or a failure of the pin retainer bracket can 
interfere with the operation of the airstair door and prevent it 
from opening.
    The airstair door is classified as an emergency exit. The 
inability to open an emergency exit could impede evacuation in the 
event of an emergency.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the repetitive inspection of 
airstair door handrail hardware, and the modification of the 
handrail stowage hardware.

    Required actions include applicable corrective actions (replacing 
or removing brackets, installing lanyards, adjusting pins, and 
adjusting affected parts of the assembly). 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-2016-9438.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. The Air Line Pilots 
Association, International supported the NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, 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 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. issued Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision C, 
dated February 2, 2016. This service information describes procedures 
for a general visual inspection to detect deformities and cracks of the 
forward and aft handle holder brackets on the airstair handrail; a 
detailed visual inspection of the forward and aft pin retainer brackets 
for the condition of the lanyards and the pins; a check for 
unobstructed movement of the pin retainer brackets; and rework of the 
airstair door handrail to prevent damage to the bulkhead and to prevent 
the door from jamming once the handrails are stowed. 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 82 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                      Labor cost          Parts cost    Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive inspections..........  1 work-hour x $85 per              $0  $85 per inspection   $6,970 per
                                   hour = $85 per                         cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                   inspection cycle.
Modification....................  3 work-hours x $85 per          1,556  $1,811.............  $148,502.
                                   hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that will 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 
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,

[[Page 24024]]

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):

2017-09-11 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18873; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9438; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-109-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 29, 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 
through 4473 inclusive, equipped with Bombardier ModSum 4-422100 or 
ModSum 4-458687 (Jetway Compatible Passenger Airstair Door).

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of interruptions in the airstair 
door operation, including one case where the door would not open. 
The airstair door is classified as an emergency exit. We are issuing 
this AD to ensure the ability to evacuate passengers through the 
airstair door in the event of an emergency.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections of the Forward and Aft Handle Holder 
Brackets and Forward and Aft Pin Retainer Brackets, Repetitive Checks, 
and Corrective Actions

    Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a general visual inspection of the forward and aft handle 
holder brackets for damage, such as visible cracks and deformation; 
a detailed visual inspection of the forward and aft pin retainer 
brackets to make sure that both lanyards are installed and to make 
sure that the head of each pin is installed correctly; a check of 
the pin retainer brackets for unobstructed movement; an operational 
check of the forward passenger door; and all applicable corrective 
actions; in accordance with PART A1 and PART A2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, 
Revision C, dated February 2, 2016, except as required by paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections and checks 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours until the 
terminating action required by paragraph (h) of this AD is 
accomplished.
    (1) If one or both lanyards are missing, before further flight, 
install lanyards as specified in, and in accordance with PART A1 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
52-79, Revision C, dated February 2, 2016.
    (2) If a pin is not installed correctly, as specified in PART A1 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
84-52-79, Revision C, dated February 2, 2016, before further flight, 
adjust the affected pin until it is installed correctly as specified 
in, and in accordance with, PART A1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision C, dated 
February 2, 2016.
    (3) If a pin retainer bracket does not rotate freely, before 
further flight, adjust affected parts of the assembly until the pin 
retainer bracket rotates freely as specified in, and in accordance 
with, PART A1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision C, dated February 2, 2016.

(h) Terminating Action

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD: Incorporate Bombardier ModSum 
4-903234 to modify the installed jetway compatible handrail stowage 
bracket, in accordance with PART A3 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision C, 
dated February 2, 2016. Incorporating Bombardier ModSum 4-903234 
terminates the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) 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 the service information identified in 
paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, dated May 1, 2014.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision A, dated 
November 18, 2014.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision B, dated 
April 8, 2015.

(j) 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian A D CF-2015-02, dated January 27, 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-2016-9438.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact the 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.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) 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 84-52-79, Revision C, dated 
February 2, 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, 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.


[[Page 24025]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 27, 2017.
Paul Bernado,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-10339 Filed 5-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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