[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35792-35793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17418]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-336-AD; Amendment 39-10638; AD 98-14-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-8-100, -200, and 
-300 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, -200, and -300 
series airplanes, that requires modification of the lever assembly of 
the roll disconnect system. This amendment is prompted by mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
uncommanded disconnects of the roll control system, which could result 
in a limited degree of roll control and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 5, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 5, 1998.

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, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony E. Gallo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, 
Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7510; 
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-8-
100, -200, and -300 series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on April 27, 1998 (63 FR 20552). That action proposed to 
require modification of the lever assembly of the roll disconnect 
system.

Comments

    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 proposed rule.

Conclusion

    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.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 180 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required modification, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $21,600, or $120 per 
airplane.
    The 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.

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:

    98-14-04 De Havilland, Inc.: Amendment 39-10638. Docket 97-NM-
336-AD.

    Applicability: Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes 
on which Bombardier Modification 8/2376 was not accomplished during 
production; serial numbers 003 through 294 inclusive, and 296 
through 433 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 prevent uncommanded disconnects of the roll control system, 
which could result in a limited degree of roll control and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane; accomplish the 
following:

[[Page 35793]]

    (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the lever assembly of the roll disconnect system, in accordance with 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-79, Revision ``A,'' dated March 20, 
1998.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on the roll disconnect system of any airplane a lever assembly 
having part number 82710200-001.
    (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 Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 8-27-79, Revision `A,' dated March 20, 1998. 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, 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-98-04, dated February 27, 1998.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 5, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 24, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-17418 Filed 6-30-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U