[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 197 (Thursday, October 13, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-24870]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: October 13, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-06-AD; Amendment 39-9044; AD 94-21-01]
Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-8-100 Series
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-8-100 series airplanes,
that requires modification of the potentiometer lever stops on the nose
wheel steering. This amendment is prompted by a report that the
potentiometer stops installed currently on these airplanes are too
short to limit excessive uncontrolled potentiometer movement in the
event of a mechanical link failure. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent the airplane from departing the runway during
takeoff or landing in the event of the failure of the mechanical link
between the rudder pedals and the potentiometer.
DATES: Effective November 14, 1994.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 14, 1994.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Bombardier Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division,
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, 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: Bradford Chin, Electronics Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANE-173, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin
Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 791-
6427; fax (516) 791-9024.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-8-
100 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 7,
1994 (59 FR 16574). That action proposed to require modification of the
potentiometer lever stops on the nose wheel steering.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter supports the rule.
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
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 48 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor
rate is $55 per work hour. The cost for required parts will be minimal.
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $7,920, or $165 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 part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) 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:
94-21-01 de Havilland, Inc.: Amendment 39-9044. Docket 94-NM-06-AD.
Applicability: Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 series airplanes,
serial numbers 003 through 334 inclusive, certificated in any
category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent the airplane from departing the runway during takeoff
or landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the potentiometer lever stops on the nose wheel steering in
accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin S.B. 8-32-99, Revision
`A,' dated July 26, 1993.
(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), 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
sections 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 S.B. 8-32-99, Revision `A,' dated July
26, 1993. 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 Bombardier Inc.,
Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 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,
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 November 14, 1994.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 1994.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-24870 Filed 10-12-94; 8:45 am]
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