Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 202 (Thursday, October 18, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52751-52753]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22150]





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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 202 / Thursday, October 18, 2018 / 

Rules and Regulations



[[Page 52751]]







DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION



Federal Aviation Administration



14 CFR Part 39



[Docket No. FAA-2018-0553; Product Identifier 2017-NM-138-AD; Amendment 

39-19446; AD 2018-20-12]

RIN 2120-AA64




Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes



AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 

Transportation (DOT).



ACTION: Final rule.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------



SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 

Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, Model DHC-

8-200 series airplanes, and Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This AD 

was prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating from the 

windshield, caused by loose or damaged windshield heater terminal lugs. 

This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to 

incorporate maintenance review board (MRB) tasks for general visual 

inspections of the windshield moisture seal. This AD also requires re-

torqueing the windshield heater terminal lugs, applying a coating to 

the windshield heater screw heads, doing a chemical cleaning of the 

wiring and components, doing a visual inspection of the wiring and 

components, doing an operational test of the pilot's and co-pilot's 

windshield heating system, and repair if necessary We are issuing this 

AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.



DATES: This AD is effective November 23, 2018.

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 

reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 23, 

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 service information at the 

FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 

For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 

206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-

0553.



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-2018-

0553; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 

this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 

other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-

5527) is 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: John P. DeLuca, Aerospace Engineer, 

Avionics and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 

1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-

7369; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].



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-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, Model DHC-8-200 series 

airplanes, and Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in 

the Federal Register on July 6, 2018 (83 FR 31493). The NPRM was 

prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating from the windshield, 

caused by loose or damaged windshield heater terminal lugs. The NPRM 

proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program to 

incorporate MRB tasks for general visual inspections of the windshield 

moisture seal. The NPRM also proposed to require re-torqueing the 

windshield heater terminal lugs, applying a coating to the windshield 

heater screw heads, doing a chemical cleaning of the wiring and 

components, doing a visual inspection of the wiring and components, 

doing an operational test of the pilot's and co-pilot's windshield 

heating system, and repair if necessary.

    We are issuing this AD to address loose terminal lugs and terminal 

lugs damaged due to fluid ingress between the windshields and side 

window posts, which could lead to burning of the lugs and cracking of 

the windshields, and could ultimately cause a loss of cabin pressure, 

resulting in an emergency descent.

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 

authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2017-25, dated July 31, 

2017 (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, and -106 airplanes, 

Model DHC-8-200 series airplanes, and Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes. 

The MCAI states:



    There have been several reports of arcing and smoke emanating 

from the windshields. Investigation of these incidents revealed that 

de-icing fluid and water could enter between the windshields and 

side window posts, leading to possible damage of the windshield 

heater terminal lugs creating arcing and smoke. In addition, 

investigation also revealed that the windshield heater terminal lugs 

tend to loosen over time. Loose terminal lugs could also have a 

similar effect of arcing and smoke. Both events could lead to 

burning of the lugs and, due to the excessive heat, cracking of the 

windshields. If not corrected, these conditions could cause a loss 

of cabin pressure resulting in an emergency descent.



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-2018-

0553.



Comments



    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 

this final rule. We have considered the comment received. The Air Line 

Pilots Association, International (ALPA) indicated its support for the 

NPRM.



[[Page 52752]]



Conclusion



    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 

determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 

this final rule 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 addressing 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 has issued Service Bulletin 8-30-41, Revision A, dated 

March 24, 2017. This service information describes procedures for re-

torqueing the windshield heater terminal lugs and applying Humiseal 

coating to the screw heads of the windshield heater, doing a chemical 

cleaning and general visual inspection of the wiring and components, 

and doing an operational test of the windshield heating system.

    Bombardier has also issued the following service information, which 

describes airworthiness limitation tasks for a general visual 

inspection of the windshield moisture seal. These documents are 

distinct since they apply to different airplane models.

    <bullet> de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.

    <bullet> de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.

    <bullet> de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated March 15, 2017.

    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 63 airplanes of U.S. registry.

    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.

                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255...........................              $0             $255          $16,065

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Table does not include estimated costs for revising the maintenance or inspection program.



    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 

program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 

recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 

past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 

airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 

changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-

operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. 

Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 

work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

    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 

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 and 

associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.



Regulatory Findings



    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):



2018-20-12 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19446; Docket No. FAA-

2018-0553; Product Identifier 2017-NM-138-AD.



(a) Effective Date



    This AD is effective November 23, 2018.



(b) Affected ADs



    None.



(c) Applicability



    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-102, -103, -

106, -201, -202,



[[Page 52753]]



-301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial 

numbers 003 through 672 inclusive.



(d) Subject



    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and rain 

protection.



(e) Reason



    This AD was prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating 

from the windshield, caused by loose or damaged windshield heater 

terminal lugs. We are issuing this AD to address loose terminal lugs 

and terminal lugs damaged due to fluid ingress between the 

windshields and side window posts, which could lead to burning of 

the lugs and cracking of the windshields, and could ultimately cause 

a loss of cabin pressure, resulting in an emergency descent.



(f) Compliance



    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 

unless already done.



(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision



    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 

existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 

incorporate the applicable task identified in paragraphs (g)(1), 

(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD into the applicable program support 

manual (PSM) identified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, 

which is included in the existing maintenance or inspection program. 

The initial compliance time for the tasks are within 1,600 flight 

hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date 

of this AD.

    (1) de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.

    (2) de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.

    (3) de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated March 15, 2017.



           Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--PSM to Update

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                             Maintenance requirements

             Airplane model                        manual (MRM)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

DHC-8-102, -103, and -106...............  PSM 1-8-7

DHC-8-201 and -202......................  PSM 1-82-7

DHC-8-301, -311, and -315...............  PSM 1-83-7

------------------------------------------------------------------------



(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals



    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 

required by paragraph (g) 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 (k)(1) of 

this AD.



(i) Cleaning, Inspection, Re-Torqueing, Sealant Application, and 

Operational Test



    Within 8,000 flight hours or 60 months, whichever occurs first 

after the effective date of this AD: Perform a chemical cleaning of 

the wiring and components, do a general visual inspection of the 

wiring and components for signs of cracking, erosion, wear, or other 

damage, re-torque the windshield heater terminal lugs, apply 

Humiseal coating to the screw heads of the windshield heater, and do 

an operational test of the pilot's and co-pilot's windshield heating 

system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 

Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-30-41, Revision A, dated March 24, 

2017. If the operational test fails, before further flight, do 

corrective actions, repeat the test, and do applicable corrective 

actions until the operational test is passed. If any cracking, 

erosion, wear, or other damage is found, before further flight, 

repair 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) Credit for Previous Actions



    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 

paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 

effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-30-41, 

dated March 31, 2016.



(k) 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 TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by 

the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.



(l) Related Information



    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 

(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2017-25, dated July 31, 

2017, 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-2018-0553.

    (2) For more information about this AD, contact John P. DeLuca, 

Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Administrative Services Section, 

FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 

NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7369; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].

    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 

incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 

paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.



(m) 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 8-30-41, Revision A, dated March 

24, 2017.

    (ii) de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.

    (iii) de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.

    (iv) de Havilland Inc. Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card 

Task Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield 

Moisture Seal,'' dated March 15, 2017.

    (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 

information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 

206-231-3195.

    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on September 20, 2018.

John P. Piccola,

Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 

Service.

[FR Doc. 2018-22150 Filed 10-17-18; 8:45 am]

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