Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 19 (Monday, January 29, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3939-3941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01317]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0621; Product Identifier 2017-NM-049-AD; Amendment 
39-19169; AD 2018-02-16]
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 that operation of fuselage doors was interrupted 
due to corrosion in certain door roller bearings. This AD requires a 
one-time detailed inspection of the bearings for corrosion, and 
replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 5, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 5, 
2018.

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 Standards Branch, 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-2017-0621.

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-2017-
0621; 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7329; 
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 June 21, 2017 (82 FR 28269) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports that operation of fuselage doors was interrupted 
due to corrosion in certain door roller bearings. The NPRM proposed to 
require a one-time detailed inspection of the bearings for corrosion, 
and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct bearing corrosion and prevent door operation interruptions that 
could inhibit safe evacuation of the airplane in an emergency.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2016-18, dated June 6, 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:

    A number of translating fuselage door operation interruptions 
has been reported. In one case, the Aft Service door could not be 
opened. It was found that the door lift latch bearings had corroded, 
which prevented the door from opening.

[[Page 3940]]

    The translating doors are classified as emergency exits. The 
inability to open an emergency exit could inhibit evacuation in the 
event of an emergency. This [Canadian] AD is issued to mandate a 
one-time inspection of the translating door bearings to check for 
corrosion, replace bearings if required, and apply Corrosion 
Inhibiting Compound (CIC).

    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-2017-
0621.

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. The Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA) supported the NPRM.

Request To Remove Certain Service Information Procedures

    Horizon Air requested that we change the language in paragraph (g) 
of the proposed AD to exclude the ``Job Set-Up'' and ``Close Out'' 
sections of the Accomplishment Instructions, because accomplishing 
those sections does not correct the unsafe condition, and requiring 
them restricts an operator's ability to perform other maintenance in 
conjunction with the requirements of the AD. Horizon Air requested that 
the final rule mandate only paragraph 3.B., ``Procedure,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-88, 
dated April 14, 2016.
    We agree with the commenter's request to exclude the ``Job Set-up'' 
and ``Close Out'' sections of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-88, dated April 14, 2016, because 
they are not required to address the unsafe condition identified in 
this AD. We have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to require only 
accomplishment of paragraph 3.B., ``Procedure,'' of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-88, dated April 14, 
2016.

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 change 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

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-52-88, dated April 14, 
2016. This service information describes procedures for identification 
of corrosion in fuselage door bearings, replacement if necessary, and 
CIC application. 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 143 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and CIC application.....  8 work-hours x $85 per hour              $0            $680         $97,240
                                      = $680 for 3 doors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 this 
replacement:

                                        On-condition CostsEstimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                            Labor cost              Parts cost        Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...........................  4 work-hours x $85 per hour =             $432  $772 per door.
                                         $340 per door.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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:

[[Page 3941]]

    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):

2018-02-16 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19169; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0621; Product Identifier 2017-NM-049-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 5, 2018.

(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 4488 inclusive, except those incorporating 
Bombardier ModSum IS4Q5200050.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of interrupted operation of 
translating fuselage doors caused by corrosion in the door lift and 
latch shaft roller bearings. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct bearing corrosion and prevent door operation interruptions 
that could inhibit safe evacuation of the airplane in an emergency.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Replacement of Bearings

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, do a detailed visual 
inspection of all translating fuselage door lift and latch shaft 
roller bearings for signs of corrosion, damaged seals, and loss of 
lubricant; replace any corroded bearings; and apply corrosion-
inhibiting compound (CIC); in accordance with paragraph 3.B., 
``Procedure,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-52-88, dated April 14, 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 84-52-85, dated 
September 23, 2015; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-85, 
Revision A, dated January 22, 2016.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO Branch, 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 certification 
office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 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 
Branch, 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-2016-18, dated June 6, 
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-2017-0621.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7329; 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 (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 84-52-88, dated April 14, 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 
Standards Branch, 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 January 17, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01317 Filed 1-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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