[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 251 (Monday, December 30, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68569-68570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32052]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-257-AD; Amendment 39-9859; AD 96-25-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 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-7 series airplanes, that 
requires modification of the power control relay installation of the 
emergency lights. This amendment also requires revising the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual to include procedures for turning off 
and on the emergency lights switch in certain conditions. This 
amendment is prompted by a report that the emergency lights do not 
automatically illuminate when all generated electrical power on the 
airplane is lost and the power to the left essential bus is maintained 
from the aircraft batteries. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to ensure that the emergency lights illuminate when needed in 
an emergency situation.

DATES: Effective February 3, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 3, 1997.

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, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley 
Stream, New York 11581; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, 
Valley Stream, New York; telephone (516) 256-7511; fax (516) 568-2716.

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-7 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 11, 
1996 (61 FR 47834). That action proposed to require modification of the 
power control relay installation of the emergency lights. Following 
accomplishment of the proposed modification, that action also proposed 
to require revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved 
Airplane Flight Manual to include procedures for turning off and on the 
emergency lights switch.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 47 de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes 
of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,713 per airplane. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the modification required by this 
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $138,791, or $2,953 per 
airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required AFM revision, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AFM revision 
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,820, or $60 
per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.

[[Page 68570]]

Regulatory Impact

    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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

96-25-16  De Havilland, Inc.: Amendment 39-9859. Docket 95-NM-257-
AD.

    Applicability: Model DHC-7 series airplanes, serial numbers 003 
through 113 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure that the emergency lights illuminate when needed in an 
emergency situation, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the power control relay installation of the emergency lights, in 
accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin S.B. 7-33-23, Revision 
`A', dated October 20, 1995.
    (b) Following accomplishment of paragraph (a) of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) by inserting a copy of de Havilland Dash 7 Flight Manual PSM 
1-71A-1A, Revision 39, dated August 22, 1994, into the AFM.
    (c) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO.

    (d) 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.
    (e) The modification shall be done in accordance with de 
Havilland Service Bulletin S.B. 7-33-23, Revision `A', dated October 
20, 1995. The AFM revision shall be done in accordance with de 
Havilland Dash 7 Flight Manual PSM 1-71A-1A, Revision 39, dated 
August 22, 1994. 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, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 
Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, 
Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 3, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 11, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-32052 Filed 12-27-96; 8:45 am]
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