[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 164 (Wednesday, August 23, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51256-51258]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21461]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-359-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -
301 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model 
DHC-8-102, -103, and --301 series airplanes, that currently requires a 
one-time inspection for wear and breakage of wire segments of the 
individual lighting units of the ceiling and sidewall lights, and 
replacement of any damaged wiring. The existing AD also requires 
installation of teflon spiral wrap on the wiring of the ceiling and 
sidewall lights. This action would add a requirement for a one-time 
inspection to determine if teflon spiral wrap is installed on the 
wiring of the lavatory lighting system, and installation, if necessary. 
This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the 
possibility of a fire on an airplane due to such chafing and consequent 
short circuiting, overheating, and smoking of the wires on the aircraft 
structure.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 22, 2000.

[[Page 51257]]


ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-359-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the 
following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via the 
Internet must contain ``Docket No. 99-NM-359-AD'' in the subject line 
and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet 
as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for 
Windows or ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 
123 Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. This 
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley 
Stream, New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luciano Castracane, Aerospace 
Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Systems & Flight Test 
Branch (ANE-172), FAA, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New 
York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7535; fax (516) 568-2716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 99-NM-359--AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 99-NM-359-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On May 20, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-11-21, amendment 39-10546 (63 
FR 29546, July 6, 1998), applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-
8-102, -103, and -301 series airplanes, to require a one-time 
inspection for wear and breakage of wire segments of the individual 
lighting units of the ceiling and sidewall lights, and replacement of 
any damaged wiring. That AD also requires installation of teflon spiral 
wrap on the wiring of the ceiling and sidewall lights. That action was 
prompted by reports of chafing found on the electrical wiring of the 
cabin ceiling lighting system. The requirements of that AD are intended 
to prevent the possibility of a fire on an airplane due to such chafing 
and consequent short circuiting, overheating, and smoking of the wires 
on the aircraft structure.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, Transport Canada Civil Aviation 
(TCCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, has advised 
the FAA that the procedures for rework described in de Havilland 
Service Bulletin S.B. 8-33-35, dated September 1, 1995, could have been 
misinterpreted. (That service bulletin was cited as the appropriate 
source of service information in AD 98-11-21). The misinterpretation 
could have resulted in failure to install teflon spiral wrap on the 
wiring of the lavatory lighting system as part of Modification 8/2158.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin S.B. 8-33-35, Revision `B', 
dated September 25, 1998, which describes procedures for a one-time 
inspection for wear and breakage of wire segments of the individual 
lighting units of the ceiling and sidewall lights, and replacement of 
any damaged wiring. The service bulletin also describes procedures for 
installation of teflon spiral wrap on the wiring of the ceiling and 
sidewall lights (Modification 8/2158). Revision `B' of the service 
bulletin contains essentially equivalent procedures to those specified 
in the original issue of the service bulletin, but has been revised to 
clarify that teflon spiral wrap should also be installed on the wiring 
of the lavatory lighting system. TCCA classified this service bulletin 
as mandatory and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-95-18R1, 
dated January 8, 1999, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Canada.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in Canada and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, TCCA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
TCCA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would supersede AD 98-11-21 to 
continue to require the actions specified in that AD. The proposed AD 
would also add a requirement for a one-time inspection to determine if 
teflon spiral wrap is installed on the wiring of the lavatory lighting 
system, and installation, if necessary. The new actions would be 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin 
described previously.

[[Page 51258]]

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 73 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 98-11-21 take 
approximately 30 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts cost approximately $250 
per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently 
required actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $149,650, or 
$2,050 per airplane.
    The new inspection that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $8,760, or $120 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 removing amendment 39-10546 (63 FR 
29546, July 6, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
to read as follows:

Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket 99-NM-359-AD. 
Supersedes AD 98-11-21, Amendment 39-10546.
    Applicability: Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -301 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category; serial numbers 002 though 010 
inclusive, 012 through 201 inclusive, 203 through 209 inclusive, 211 
through 215 inclusive, 217 through 220 inclusive, 222, and 223; 
except those airplanes on which de Havilland Modification 8/1114 or 
8/1110 has been accomplished.

    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 the possibility of a fire on an airplane due to 
chafing of the electrical wiring of the cabin ceiling lighting 
system, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-11-21

Inspection for Wire Wear and Breakage

    (a) Within 1,000 hours time-in-service or 6 months after July 6, 
1998 (the effective date of AD 98-11-21, amendment 39-10546), 
whichever occurs first: Accomplish the requirements of paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD in accordance with de Havilland Service 
Bulletin S.B. 8-33-35, dated September 1, 1995, or Bombardier 
Service Bulletin S.B. 8-33-35, Revision `B', dated September 25, 
1998.
    (1) Perform a one-time inspection for wear and breakage of wire 
segments of the individual lighting units of the ceiling and 
sidewall lights. Prior to further flight, replace any damaged 
wiring.
    (2) Install teflon spiral wrap on the wiring of the ceiling and 
sidewall lights (Modification 8/2158).

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-33-
35, Revision `A', dated July 28, 1998, is acceptable for compliance 
with that paragraph.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspection for Installed Teflon Spiral Wrap

    (b) Within 1,000 hours time-in-service or 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a one-
time inspection to determine if teflon spiral wrap is installed on 
the wiring of the lavatory lighting system, in accordance with 
Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-33-35, Revision `B', dated 
September 25, 1998.
    (1) If teflon spiral wrap is not installed, prior to further 
flight, install teflon spiral wrap on the wiring of the lavatory 
lighting system in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) If teflon spiral wrap is installed, no further action is 
required by this paragraph.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c)(1) 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. 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 98-11-21, Amendment 39-10546, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the New York ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-95-18R1, dated January 8, 1999.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 17, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-21461 Filed 8-22-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U