Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.; Canadair Limited) Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31145-31148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10332]



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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 16, 2023 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 31145]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1301; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01447-T; 
Amendment 39-22412; AD 2023-07-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.; Canadair Limited) Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-12-11, 
which applied to all Canadair Model CL-215-1A10 airplanes. AD 96-12-11 
required repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the 
microswitches fitted at the water door actuator; replacement of any 
discrepant microswitch; and modification of the water door actuator 
switches, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This AD 
continues to require the modification of the water door actuator 
switches. This AD also requires modification of the water door solenoid 
valve common grounds, adds airplanes to the applicability, and 
specifies a parts installation limitation for the water door solenoid 
valve. This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded opening of the 
water doors during flight and water scooping. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 20, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 20, 
2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1301; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Viking Air Limited, 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney, British 
Columbia V8L 5V5, Canada; telephone +1-250-656-7227; fax +1-250-656-
0673; email vikingair.com">acs-technical.publications@vikingair.com; website 
vikingair.com.
    <bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1301.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Niczky, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Electrical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7347; 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 96-12-11, Amendment 39-9653 (61 FR 28734, 
June 6, 1996) (AD 96-12-11). AD 96-12-11 applied to all Canadair Model 
CL-215-1A10 airplanes. AD 96-12-11 required repetitive inspections to 
detect discrepancies of the microswitches fitted at the water door 
actuator, replacement of any discrepant microswitch, and a terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA issued AD 96-12-11 to 
address a possible uncommanded opening of the water doors, especially 
at high speed during a takeoff run, a water pick-up run, or a landing 
run, which could cause serious damage to the airplane.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 27, 2022 (87 
FR 65016). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2021-51, dated December 21, 
2021, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for 
Canada (referred to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI states that 
mandating the modification of the water door actuator microswitches, in 
lieu of the previous repetitive inspections, will provide a more robust 
water door design that will better mitigate the risk of uncommanded 
water door opening. Also, it has been determined that modifying the 
water door solenoid valve common grounds will mitigate the risk of 
corroded or contaminated electrical contact leading to a sneak path and 
subsequent uncommanded opening of the water doors.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the 
modification of the water door actuator switches. The FAA also proposed 
to require modification of the water door solenoid valve common 
grounds, add airplanes to the applicability, and prohibit the 
installation of certain water door solenoid valve selector assemblies. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the uncommanded opening of water 
doors, which, at high speed during the take-off run, water pick-up run, 
or landing run, could cause serious damage to the airplane.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1301.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from Bridger Aerospace. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to 
each comment.

Request To Incorporate Global Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) 
and Remove Parts Installation Prohibition

    Bridger Aerospace (Bridger) requested that the requirements in 
Global AMOC No. AARDG 2022/A33 issued by Transport Canada be 
incorporated into the proposed AD by mandating that design change Mod 
CL/0076, as specified in Viking Technical Bulletin

[[Page 31146]]

V215-3214, be incorporated if the part number (P/N) 362-0377 valve is 
to be used as a replacement. Bridger stated that the additional backup 
protection provided by this EMF kit is ``very conclusive in addressing 
the possibility of reoccurrence.'' In addition, Bridger Aerospace 
requested that the statement that P/N 362-0377 cannot be used as a 
replacement part specified in paragraph (i) of the proposed AD be 
removed. Bridger Aerospace stated that P/N 362-0377 can be used in 
other locations of the airplane (e.g., main and auxiliary hydraulic 
system, landing gear extension/retraction, and nosewheel steering) that 
do not require backup EMF protection. Bridger Aerospace also stated 
that the replacement P/N 20P16-2 has an exorbitant cost and are 
unavailable for up to eight months.
    The FAA agrees that P/N 362-0377 can be used in other locations of 
the airplane other than the water door and agrees to incorporate the 
intent of Transport Canada's approved Global AMOC No. AARDG 2022/A33 
into this AD. This allows the water door solenoid valve selector 
assembly, P/N 362-0377, to be used as a replacement part if it has been 
modified in accordance with Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, 
Revision A, dated June 20, 2022; or Viking Technical Bulletin V215/
3214, Revision A, dated June 20, 2022. Paragraph (i) of this AD has 
been changed to allow P/N 362-0377 to be used as a replacement part as 
long as it has been modified in accordance with Viking Technical 
Bulletin V215/0713, Revision A, dated June 20, 2022; or Viking 
Technical Bulletin V215/3214, Revision A, dated June 20, 2022.
    In addition, paragraph (i)(2) of this AD further requires that 
airplanes installed with this modification must revise their existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in Viking Temporary Revision 25-27, dated April 
13, 2022, for Chapter 25-70-00 of the Viking CL-215 Maintenance Manual, 
PSP 292. Paragraph (i) of this AD has also been changed to allow water 
door solenoid valve, 4-way selector valve, P/N 20P16-2, specification 
control drawing (SCD) 215T92392-2, or superseding part with internal 
back electro-motive force (EMF) protection on which the design change 
modification specified in Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, Revision 
A, dated June 20, 2022; or Viking Technical Bulletin V215/3214, 
Revision A, dated June 20, 2022; is incorporated as replacements parts.
    In addition, paragraph (j)(2) of this AD has been added to provide 
credit if modifications were done prior to the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, dated April 
14, 2022; or Viking Technical Bulletin V215/3214, dated April 14, 2022.

Request To Require Modification of Existing Valves

    Bridger requested that the proposed AD be changed to require P/N 
362-0377 valves currently installed in the water door system to be 
modified within 24 months. Bridger stated this modification will assure 
the water door system has the maximum level of safety to not have any 
more uncommanded door openings.
    The FAA does not agree with requiring a modification to the P/N 
362-0377 valves currently installed in the water door system. The 
actions required by this AD address the identified unsafe condition. 
However, operators may elect to modify these parts in accordance with 
Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, Revision A, dated June 20, 2022; 
or Viking Technical Bulletin V215/3214, Revision A, dated June 20, 
2022. This AD has not been changed with regard to this request.

Additional Changes Made to This Final Rule

    The FAA reviewed Viking Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 3, dated 
February 15, 2023, which limits the effectivity to Model CL-215-1A10 
airplanes because Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes already 
have an equivalent modification incorporated. Viking Service Bulletin 
215-389, Revision 3, dated February 15, 2023, does not revise the 
modification procedures. Therefore, the FAA revised paragraph (g) of 
this AD to specify that only Model CL-215-1A10 airplanes are affected. 
The FAA has also revised paragraph (g) of this AD to refer to Viking 
Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 3, dated February 15, 2023. In 
addition, Viking Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 2, dated September 
21, 2021, was added as credit to paragraph (j) of this AD.
    In addition, the FAA determined that the retained compliance time 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD should not apply to airplanes on 
which the modification specified Canadair Service Bulletin 215-389, 
dated November 15, 1988, has been done because those airplanes would be 
immediately out of compliance with the requirements as specified in 
paragraph (g) of the proposed AD. Those airplanes were previously in 
compliance with AD 96-12-11 as specified in Note 2 to paragraph (d) of 
AD 96-12-11. However, Canadair Service Bulletin 215-389, dated November 
15, 1988, is no longer acceptable for compliance for this AD. 
Therefore, those operators must accomplish additional actions using a 
later revision of Canadair Service Bulletin 215-389, dated November 15, 
1988. The FAA has revised the compliance time in paragraph (g) of this 
AD to allow 2 years after the effective date of this AD to do the 
modification, which corresponds to the compliance time specified in 
Part I of Transport Canada AD CF-2021-51, dated December 21, 2021. The 
FAA has determined that the compliance time represents the maximum 
interval of time allowable for the affected airplanes to continue to 
safely operate before the modification is done.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the 
comments received, and determined that air safety requires adopting 
this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on this product. Except for minor editorial 
changes, and any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted 
as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic 
burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Viking Air Limited has issued Viking Service Bulletin 215-389, 
Revision 3, dated February 15, 2023. This service information describes 
procedures for modifying the water door actuator switches, which 
includes replacing the water door actuator microswitches, installing a 
relay channel and relays, and modifying related wiring.
    Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin 215-A497, dated 
November 16, 1998. This service information describes procedures for 
installing two additional water door solenoid common grounds, as well 
as inspecting the existing ground studs for corrosion and cleaning if 
necessary.
    Viking Air Limited has issued Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, 
Revision A, dated June 20, 2022. This service information provides 
instructions to install terminal rails and terminal modules with Zener-
diodes to suppress back-electro-motive force (EMF) in Viking Air 
Limited Model CL-215-1A10 airplanes.

[[Page 31147]]

    Viking Air Limited has issued Viking Technical Bulletin V215/3214, 
Revision A, dated June 20, 2022. This service information provides 
instructions to install terminal rails and terminal modules with Zener-
diodes to suppress back-EMF in Viking Air Limited Model CL-215-6B11 
(CL-215T Variant) airplanes.
    Viking Air Limited has issued Viking Temporary Revision 25-27, 
dated April 13, 2022. This service information describes procedures in 
Chapter 25-70-00 for the Mod CL/0076, Water Drop System--Hydraulic 
Solenoid Electrical Back-EMF Protection.
    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

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Cost per
            Action                Labor cost       Parts cost        product         Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained actions from AD 96-   40 work-hours x          $10,038         $13,438  $26,876 (2 airplanes).
 12-11.                         $85 per hour =
                                $3,400.
New actions..................  2 work-hours x               108             278  1,668.
                                $85 per hour =
                                $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 that 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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-12-11, Amendment 39-9653 
(61 FR 28734, June 6, 1996); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2023-07-10 Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bombardier, Inc.; Canadair Limited): Amendment 39-22412; Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1301; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01447-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 20, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 96-12-11, Amendment 39-9653 (61 FR 28734, 
June 6, 1996) (AD 96-12-11).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate 
previously held by Bombardier, Inc.; Canadair Limited) Model CL-215-
1A10 and CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded opening of the 
water doors during flight and water scooping. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the uncommanded opening of water doors, which, at 
high speed during the take-off run, water pick-up run, or landing 
run, could cause serious damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification of Microswitches, with Revised Service Information and 
a New Compliance Time

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (d) of AD 
96-12-11, with revised service information and a new compliance 
time. For Model CL-215-1A10 airplanes: Within 24 months after the 
effective date of this AD, modify the water door microswitches in 
accordance with Viking Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 3, dated 
February 15, 2023.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Installation of Common Grounds

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
two new water door solenoid valve common grounds in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin 
215-A497, dated November 16, 1998.

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, only the parts 
identified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (iii) of this AD are 
allowed for use as a replacement part for the water door solenoid 
valve.
    (i) Water door solenoid valve, selector assembly, part number 
(P/N) 362-0377, on which the design change modification specified in 
Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, Revision A, dated June 20, 
2022; or Viking Technical Bulletin V215/3214, Revision A, dated June 
20, 2022; is incorporated.
    (ii) Water door solenoid valve, 4-way selector valve, P/N 20P16-
2, specification control drawing (SCD) 215T92392-2, or

[[Page 31148]]

superseding part with internal back electro-motive force (EMF) 
protection.
    (iii) Water door solenoid valve, 4-way selector valve, P/N 
20P16-2, SCD 215T92392-2, or superseding part with internal back EMF 
protection on which the design change modification specified in 
Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, Revision A, dated June 20, 
2022; or Viking Technical Bulletin V215/3214, Revision A, dated June 
20, 2022; is incorporated.
    (2) For airplanes on which a part identified in paragraph 
(i)(1)(i) or (iii) of this AD is installed: Before further flight 
after installation, revise the exiting maintenance or inspection 
program to incorporate the information for Chapter 25-70-00 
specified in Viking Temporary Revision 25-27, dated April 13, 2022, 
into the Viking CL-215 Maintenance Manual, PSP 292.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) 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 Canadair Service Bulletin 215-389, 
Revision 1, dated September 30, 1991, including the retrospective 
action for aircraft modified in accordance with Canadair Service 
Bulletin 215-389, dated November 15, 1988; or Viking Service 
Bulletin 215-389 Revision 2, dated September 21, 2021.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (i)(1)(i) and (iii) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Viking 
Technical Bulletin V215/0713, dated April 14, 2022; or Viking 
Technical Bulletin V215/3214, dated April 14, 2022.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    (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 responsible Flight Standards 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 
responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO 
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (Transport Canada); 
or Viking Air Limited's Transport Canada Design Approval 
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must 
include the DAO-authorized signature.

(l) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Transport Canada AD CF-2021-51, dated December 21, 2021, for 
related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found in the AD 
docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1301.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Thomas Niczky, 
Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7347; email [email protected].

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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 Alert Service Bulletin 215-A497, dated November 
16, 1998.
    (ii) Viking Service Bulletin 215-389, Revision 3, dated February 
15, 2023.
    (iii) Viking Technical Bulletin V215/0713, Revision A, dated 
June 20, 2022.
    (iv) Viking Technical Bulletin V215/3214, Revision A, dated June 
20, 2022.
    (v) Viking CL-215 Maintenance Manual, PSP 292, Temporary 
Revision 25-27, dated April 13, 2022.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Viking Air Limited, 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia 
V8L 5V5, Canada; telephone +1-250-656-7227; fax +1-250-656-0673; 
email vikingair.com">acs-technical.publications@vikingair.com; website 
vikingair.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 8, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-10332 Filed 5-15-23; 8:45 am]
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