Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 159 (Monday, August 17, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49957-49959]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17900]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0045; Product Identifier 2018-CE-027-AD; Amendment 
39-21199; AD 2020-16-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. III 
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country 
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks reported on the forward 
and aft float strut wire pull fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 21, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0045; or in person at Docket Operations, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Viking Air 
Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, British 
Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North America) (800) 663-8444; 
fax: (250) 656-0673; email: [email protected]; internet: 
https://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2019-0045.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0045; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 
11590; telephone: (516) 287-7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that 
would apply to Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. III 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 11, 
2019 (84 FR 3131). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products and was based on AD Number CF-2018-10, dated 
April 18, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), issued by 
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI 
states:

    Cracks have been reported on the Forward and Aft float strut 
wire pull fittings on DHC-2 Mk. I aeroplanes equipped with the 5600 
lb gross weight increase kit installed in accordance with STC SA92-
63 or SA00299NY and on DHC-2 Mk. III aeroplanes equipped with the 
6000 lb gross weight increase kit installed in accordance with STC 
SA91-18 or SA945NE. An investigation found that the forward and aft 
wire pull fittings (P/N VALTBS1245-1/-2 and P/N VALTBS1244-1, 
respectively) are prone to stress corrosion cracking at low cycles/
hours.
    Failure of these wire pull fittings will reduce the strength of 
the float undercarriage below the required structural capability and 
could result in a failure of the undercarriage causing the aeroplane 
to tip over and be submerged.
    Therefore this [Transport Canada] AD requires that the forward 
and aft wire pull fittings be replaced with P/N VALTBS1245-3/-4 and 
P/N VALTBS1244-3/-4 (LH/RH) fittings respectively. These fittings 
are geometrically similar to the legacy fittings and are made of a 
different aluminum alloy that is less susceptible to stress 
corrosion cracking.
    In addition to replacing the fittings, it is necessary to 
implement a recurring visual inspection of the fittings to assure 
continuing airworthiness.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FAA-2019-0045.

Comments

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

Request To Remove the Repetitive Inspection

    Christopher Campbell requested the FAA remove the 110-hour 
repetitive inspection requirement. The commenter stated the unsafe 
condition is eliminated by the requirement to

[[Page 49958]]

replace the affected part. Also, the commenter reasoned that because 
repetitive inspections are already required at each 100-hour and annual 
inspection by Appendix D to Part 43, Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13, AC 
20-106, the manufacturer's maintenance manual, and the float 
manufacturer's inspection requirements, the repetitive inspections in 
the NPRM are unnecessary and burdensome. The commenter stated that if 
the replacement wire pulls are not strong enough to last 110 hours 
without cracking, then the FAA should address this at the manufacturing 
level and not in the field.
    The FAA does not agree. Although 14 CFR 43.15 and Appendix D to 
Part 43 do require that 100-hour and annual inspections include an 
inspection of floats for insecure attachment and obvious defects, this 
AD requires a specific inspection of the wire pull fittings. Also, 
while an operator may incorporate into its maintenance program the 
inspections in the advisory circulars and manufacturer maintenance 
manuals referenced by the commenter, not all operators are required to 
do so. In order for these inspections to become mandatory, and to 
correct the unsafe conditions identified in the NPRM, the FAA must 
issue an AD. The compliance times as proposed should allow the 
inspections to be conducted concurrently with scheduled maintenance, 
thereby minimizing the costs on operators.
    The FAA did not change this AD based on this comment.

Changes to the Final Rule

    The FAA has revised the applicability of this AD to include 
airplanes with fitting part number VALTBS1244-3 or VALTBS1244-4, to 
clarify that replacing the fittings is not terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections in the AD. The FAA also made some minor 
editorial changes.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. The FAA 
has determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the proposal in the NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not increase any burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/003, 
Revision NC, dated November 28, 2012, for Model DCH-2 Mk. I airplanes; 
and Viking DHC-2T Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/002, Revision A, dated 
September 12, 2011, for Model DCH-2 Mk. III airplanes. This service 
information contains procedures for replacing the forward and aft float 
strut wire pull fittings and specifies implementing repetitive visual 
inspections of the fittings. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires returning cracked fittings to Viking, and this AD 
does not. The MCAI also prohibits installing an affected wire pull 
fitting on any airplane, and this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 136 products of U.S. 
registry. The FAA also estimates that replacing the fittings will take 
about 12 work-hours at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour and 
required parts will cost about $2,741. Based on these figures, the FAA 
estimates a cost of $3,761 per airplane and $511,496 for the U.S. 
operator fleet.
    Inspecting the fittings will take about .5 work-hour for an 
estimated cost of $42.50 per airplane and $5,780 for the U.S. fleet, 
per inspection cycle.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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:

2020-16-15 Viking Air Limited: Amendment 39-21199; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0045; Product Identifier 2018-CE-027-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
21, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Viking Air Limited airplanes, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Model DHC-2 Mk. I airplanes altered by Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) SA92-63 or SA00299NY with a float strut wire pull 
fitting part number (P/N) VALTBS1245-1, P/N VALTBS1245-2, P/N 
VALTBS1244-1, P/N VALTBS1244-3, or P/N VALTBS1244-4; and
    (2) Model DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes altered by STC SA91-18 or 
SA945NE with a float strut wire pull fitting P/N VALTBS1245-1, P/N 
VALTBS1245-2, P/N VALTBS1244-1, P/N VALTBS1244-3, or P/N VALTBS1244-
4.

[[Page 49959]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks reported 
on the forward and aft float strut wire pull fittings. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the wire pull fittings, which 
could reduce the strength of the float undercarriage below the 
required structural capability, resulting in a failure of the 
undercarriage causing the airplane to tip over and submerge.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 90 days after August 17, 2020 (the effective date of 
this AD):
    (i) Replace each forward wire pull fitting P/N VALTBS1245-1 and 
P/N VALTBS1245-2 with P/N VALTBS1245-3 Left Hand (LH) or P/N 
VALTBS1245-4 Right Hand (RH) by following the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs A.1. through A.8., of Viking DHC-2 Beaver 
Service Bulletin No. V2/003, Revision NC, dated November 28, 2012 
(Viking SB No. V2/003); or Viking DHC-2T Beaver Service Bulletin No. 
V2/002, Revision A, dated September 12, 2011 (Viking SB No. V2/002, 
Revision A), as applicable to your model airplane.
    (ii) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
replacement of the forward wire pull fittings and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, visually inspect each forward 
wire pull fitting for corrosion and cracks. If there is any 
corrosion or a crack, before further flight, replace the fitting 
with fitting P/N VALTBS1245-3 (LH) or P/N VALTBS1245-4 (RH).
    (2) Within 180 days after August 17, 2020 (the effective date of 
this AD):
    (i) Replace each aft wire pull fitting P/N VALTBS1244-1 with P/N 
VALTBS1244-3 (LH) or P/N VALTBS1244-4 (RH) by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs B.1. through B.8., of Viking 
SB No. V2/003 or Viking SB No. V2/002, Revision A, as applicable to 
your model airplane.
    (ii) Within 110 hours TIS after the replacement of the aft wire 
pull fittings and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours 
TIS, visually inspect each aft wire pull fitting for corrosion and 
cracks. If there is any corrosion or a crack, before further flight, 
replace the fitting with fitting P/N VALTBS1244-3 (LH) or P/N 
VALTBS1244-4 (RH).

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Aziz 
Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 287-
7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email:. Before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD Number CF-2018-10, dated April 
18, 2018, for related information. The MCAI can be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FAA-2019-0045.

(i) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/003, Revision 
NC, dated November 28, 2012.
    (ii) Viking DHC-2T Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/002, Revision 
A, dated September 12, 2011.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, 
British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North America) (800) 
663-8444; fax: (250) 656-0673; email: 
[email protected]; internet: https://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. In 
addition, you can access this service information on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0045.
    (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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17900 Filed 8-14-20; 8:45 am]
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