[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44028-44030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16306]
[[Page 44028]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-CE-70-AD; Amendment 39-12796; AD 2002-13-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. I,
DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to certain de Havilland Inc. (de Havilland) Models DHC-2 Mk. I,
DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes. This AD requires you to
modify the elevator tip rib on each elevator; repetitively inspect
underneath the mass balance weights at each elevator tip rib for
corrosion; and either remove the corrosion or replace a corroded
elevator tip rib depending on the corrosion damage. This AD is the
result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued
by the airworthiness authority for Canada. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion in the mass
balance weights at the elevator tip ribs, which could result in loss of
balance weight during flight and the elevator control surface
separating from the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 13, 2002.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of
August 13, 2002.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD
from Bombardier Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 123
Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3K 1Y5; telephone: (416)
633-7310. You may view this information at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-70-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jon Hjelm, Aerospace Engineer, New
York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, 3rd Floor, Valley
Stream, New York, 11581-1200, telephone: (516) 256-7523, facsimile:
(516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Events Have Caused This AD?
Transport Canada, which is the airworthiness authority for Canada,
notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain de Havilland
Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes.
Transport Canada reports incidents of corrosion found in the area of
the elevator tip rib underneath the mass balance weights on several of
the above-referenced airplanes.
What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took no Action?
These conditions, if not detected and corrected, could result in
loss of balance weight during flight and the elevator control surface
separating from the airplane.
Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to
certain de Havilland Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk.
III airplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March 4, 2002 (67 FR 9627). The
NPRM proposed to require you to modify the elevator tip rib on each
elevator; repetitively inspect underneath the mass balance weights at
the elevator rib tip for corrosion; and either remove the corrosion or
replace the corroded elevator tip rib depending on the corrosion
damage.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making
of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule
or on our determination of the cost to the public.
FAA's Determination
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
After careful review of all available information related to the
subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for
minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor
corrections:
--Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Cost Impact
How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?
We estimate that this AD affects 160 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
What is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected
Airplanes?
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the modification and
initial inspection:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per Total cost on U.S.
airplane operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 workhours x $60 = $780.................. No parts cost required....... $780 $780 x 160 = $124,800
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These figures only take into account the modification and initial
inspection costs and do not take into account the costs of any of the
repetitive inspections or the cost to replace any elevator tip rib that
would be found corroded past a certain extent. We have no way of
determining the number of repetitive inspections each owner/operator
will incur over the life of each affected airplane or the number of
elevator tip ribs that will need to be replaced.
Compliance Time of This AD
What Will be the Compliance Time of This AD?
The compliance time of this AD is ``within the next 6 calendar
months after the effective date of this AD.''
Why Is the Compliance Time Presented in Calendar Time Instead of Hours
Time-in-Service (TIS)?
We have determined that a calendar time compliance is the most
desirable method because the unsafe condition described in this AD is
caused by corrosion. Corrosion develops regardless of whether the
airplane is in service and is not a result of airplane operation.
[[Page 44029]]
Therefore, to ensure that the above-referenced condition is detected
and corrected on all airplanes within a reasonable period of time
without inadvertently grounding any airplanes, a compliance schedule
based upon calendar time instead of hours TIS is required.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Impact Various Entities?
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does this AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
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 copy of the final 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2002-13-08 de Havilland Inc.: Amendment 39-12796; Docket No. 97-CE-
70-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects
Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate
any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must
comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion in the mass
balance weights at the elevator tip ribs, which could result in loss
of balance weight during flight and the elevator control surface
separating from the airplane.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For all affected Within the next 6 In accordance with
airplanes: cut an access calendar months the ACCOMPLISHMENT
hole and fabricate and after August 13, INSTRUCTIONS
install an access cover and 2002 (the effective section of either
ring doubler on the date of this AD). de Havilland Beaver
elevator tip rib of each Service Bulletin
elevator. Number 2/50, dated
May 9, 1997 (for
Models DHC-2 Mk. I
and DHC-2 Mk. II
airplanes); or de
Havilland Beaver
Service Bulletin
Number TB/58, dated
May 9, 1997 (for
Model DHC-2 Mk. III
airplanes), as
applicable.
(2) For all affected Within the next 6 In accordance with
airplanes: inspect calendar months the ACCOMPLISHMENT
underneath the mass balance after August 13, INSTRUCTIONS
weights at each elevator 2002 (the effective section of either
tip rib for corrosion. date of this AD) de Havilland Beaver
and thereafter at Service Bulletin
intervals not to Number 2/50, dated
exceed 5 years. May 9, 1997 (for
Models DHC-2 Mk. I
and DHC-2 Mk. II
airplanes); or de
Havilland Beaver
Service Bulletin
number TB/58, dated
May 9, 1997 (for
Model DHC-2 Mk. III
airplanes), as
applicable.
(3) For all affected Prior to further In accordance with
airplanes: if corrosion is flight after any the ACCOMPLISHMENT
found (during any inspection required INSTRUCTIONS
inspection required by in paragraph d(2) section of either
paragraph (d)(2) of this of this AD where de Havilland Beaver
AD) that is equal to or the applicable Service Bulletin
less than 0.004 inches corrosion is found. Number 2/50, dated
depth, remove the corrosion. May 9, 1997 (for
Models DHC-2 Mk. I
and DHC-2 Mk. II
airplanes); or de
Havilland Beaver
Service Bulletin
Number TB/58, dated
May 9, 1997 (for
Model DHC-2 Mk. III
airplanes), as
applicable.
(4) For all affected Prior to further In accordance with
airplanes: if corrosion is flight after any the ACCOMPLISHMENT
found (during any inspection required INSTRUCTIONS
inspection required by in paragraph d(2) section of either
paragraph (d)(2) of this of this AD where de Havilland Beaver
AD) that is greater than the applicable Service Bulletin
0.004 inches depth, corrosion is found. Number 2/50, dated
accomplish one of the May 9, 1997 (for
following:. Models DHC-2 Mk. I
(i) use the procedures in and DHC-2 Mk. II
the service bulletin to airplanes); or de
manufacture a new tip rib, Havilland Beaver
part number 2DKC2-TE-77, Service Bulletin
and replace the affected Number TB/58, dated
tip rib with this new tip May 9, 1997 (for
rib; or. Model DHC-2 Mk. III
(ii) replace any affected airplanes), as
elevator tip rib with a applicable.
part number (P/N) C2-TE-
103AND elevator tip rib.
You may obtain a P/N C2-TE-
103AND elevator tip rib
from Viking Air Limited,
9574 Hampden Road, Sidney,
BC, Canada VL8 SV5..
[[Page 44030]]
(5) In addition to that Prior to further In accordance with
required by paragraph flight after any the ACCOMPLISHMENT
(d)(4) of this AD for the inspection required INSTRUCTIONS
affected DHC-2 MK III in paragraph d(2) section of de
airplanes: if corrosion is of this AD where Havilland Beaver
found (during any the applicable Service Bulletin
inspection required by corrosion is found.. Number TB/58, dated
paragraph (d)(2) of this May 9, 1997.
AD) that is greater than
0.004 inches depth on the
channel, accomplish one of
the following:.
(i) use the procedures in
the service bulletin to
manufacture a new channel
replacement, part number
2DKC2TE1020-13, and replace
the affected channel with
this new channel; or.
(ii) replace the channel
with a part number (P/N) C2-
TE-89ND channel. You may
obtain a P/N C2-TE-89ND
channel from Viking Air
Limited, 9574 Hampden Road,
Sidney, BC, Canada VL8 SV5..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: General maintenance procedures specify that the
elevators should be rebalanced any time work is done in that area.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent
level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, New York ACO.
Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific
actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mr. Jon Hjelm, Aerospace
Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street,
3rd Floor, Valley Stream, New York, 11581-1200, telephone: (516)
256-7523, facsimile: (516) 568-2716.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance
with de Havilland Beaver Service Bulletin Number 2/50, dated May 9,
1997 or de Havilland Beaver Service Bulletin Number TB/58, dated May
9, 1997. The Director of the Federal Register approved this
incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
You may get copies from Bombardier Inc., Bombardier Regional
Aircraft Division, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario, Canada
M3K 1Y5. You may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri,
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 AD No.
CF-97-06, dated May 28, 1997.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment
becomes effective on August 13, 2002.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 21, 2002.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-16306 Filed 6-28-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P