[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11525]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 18, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-203-AD; Amendment 39-8914; AD 94-10-07]

 

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-8-301 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-8-301 airplanes, that 
requires modification of the sidewall panels in the passenger cabin. 
This amendment is prompted by a report that inadequate venting between 
the cabin and the compartments beneath the floor could occur during 
rapid fuselage decompression. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent collapse of the floor and subsequent injury to 
passengers.

DATES: Effective June 17, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 17, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from de Havilland, Inc., Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario 
M3K 1Y5, Canada. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 
Engine and Propeller Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, 181 South Franklin Avenue, room 202, Valley Stream, New York; 
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Hjelm, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANE-172, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin Avenue, room 
202, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 791-6220; fax (516) 
791-9024.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is 
applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-8-301 airplanes was 
published in the Federal Register on February 2, 1994 (59 FR 4873). 
That action proposed to require modification of the sidewall panels in 
the passenger cabin.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the two comments received.
    Both commenters support the proposed rule.
    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 23 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 32 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $55 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $40,480, or 
$1,760 per airplane.
    The total cost impact figure discussed above is based on 
assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-10-07 De Havilland, Inc.: Amendment 39-8914. Docket 93-NM-203-AD.
    Applicability: Model DHC-8-301 airplanes; serial numbers 116 
through 185 inclusive, 187, and 188; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent collapse of the floor and subsequent injury to 
passengers, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the sidewall panels in the passenger cabin (Modification No. 8/1339) 
in accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin No. 8-25-53, dated 
August 4, 1989.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, New York ACO.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with de 
Havilland Service Bulletin No. 8-25-53, dated August 4, 1989. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from de Havilland, Inc., Garratt 
Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South 
Franklin Avenue, room 202, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office 
of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 17, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 6, 1994.
S. R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-11525 Filed 5-17-94; 8:45 am]
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