[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 70 (Monday, April 12, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19132-19135]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8221]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; deHavilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. I and 
DHC-2 Mk. II Airplanes and Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all deHavilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes 
and for all Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by 
radial engines. This proposed AD would require you to visually inspect 
the firewall ignition plugs and receptacles for proper lockwire 
security and replace or modify as appropriate. This proposed AD is the 
result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 
by the airworthiness authority for Canada. We are issuing this proposed 
AD to prevent loss of ignition systems during flight caused by improper 
lockwire security, which could result in engine failure. This failure 
could lead to a forced landing of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:

 By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
 By fax: (816) 329-3771.
 By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD'' in the subject 
line. If you send comments electronically as attached electronic files, 
the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII.

    You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Bombardier Aerospace Regional

[[Page 19133]]

Aircraft, Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3K 1Y5; 
facsimile: (416) 375-4538.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarbhpreet Singh Sawhney, Aerospace 
Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 
228-7340; facsimile: (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any 
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. 
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD 
Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If you 
want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-
addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it. We 
will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you.
    Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and 
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will 
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? Transport Canada, which 
is the airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on all deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 
Mk. II airplanes and all Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by 
radial engines. Transport Canada reports that a DHC-3 airplane lost 
both ignition systems during flight.
    The lockwire hole in the ignition connector plug on the firewall 
broke and the plug vibrated loose. Both magnetos then grounded through 
a spring-loaded center pin in the plug (a maintenance safety feature).
    The DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes have a similar ignition 
system.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? If not 
detected and corrected, failure of the lockwire hole could result in 
engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the 
airplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? 
Bombardier has issued deHavilland Beaver Alert Service Bulletin Number 
A2/53, Revision A, dated August 30, 2001; and deHavilland Otter Alert 
Service Bulletin Number A3/53, Revision A, dated August 30, 2001.
    What are the provisions of this service information? These service 
bulletins include procedures for:

 Inspecting the ignition plugs and receptacles on the 
fore and aft side of the firewall for security;
 Replacing any plugs or receptacles with damaged 
lockwire holes; and
 Replacing any damaged lockwire.

    What action did Transport Canada take? Transport Canada classified 
these service bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian AD Number CF-
2001-36, dated October 31, 2001, and Canadian AD Number CF-2001-37, 
dated October 31, 2001, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Canada.
    Did Transport Canada inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II 
airplanes, and Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes 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.
    Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada has 
kept us informed of the situation described above.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    What has FAA decided? We have examined Transport Canada's findings, 
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.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes, 
and Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by radial engines of the 
same type design that are registered in the United States, we are 
proposing AD action to prevent loss of ignition systems during flight 
caused by improper lockwire security, which could result in engine 
failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the airplane.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service 
bulletin.
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On 
July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation 
now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 242 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to 
accomplish this proposed inspection:

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                                                             Total cost per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost           airplane        Total cost on U.S.  operators
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2 workhours x $65 per hour = $130..  Not applicable........            $130  $130 x 242 = $31,460.
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    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of this 
proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that may need these replacements:

[[Page 19134]]



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               Labor cost                           Parts cost               Total cost per  replacement part
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2 workhours x $65 per hour = $130......  Connector plug and firewall      $130 + $152 = $282.
                                          receptacle = $152 each.
                                          Lockwire = minimal cost.
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Regulatory Findings

    Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have determined 
that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under 
Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
AD:
    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. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD 
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

deHavilland Inc. and Bombardier Inc.: Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD.

When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by May 7, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I...................  All.
deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. II..................  All.
Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3..................  All serial numbers powered
                                             by radial engines.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Canada. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of ignition systems during 
flight caused by improper lockwire security, which could result in 
engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the 
airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

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           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
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(1) Inspect the following:..  Initially inspect     Follow deHavilland
(i) ignition plugs and         within the next 100   Beaver Alert
 receptacles on the fore and   hours time-in-        Service Bulletin
 aft side of the firewall      service (TIS) after   Number A2/53,
 for security;.                the effective date    Revision A, dated
(ii) ignition plug lockwire    of this AD.           August 30, 2001;
 to ensure it is intact and    Repetitively          and deHavilland
 the holes in the plugs and    inspect thereafter    Otter Alert Service
 in the receptacles are not    at intervals not to   Bulletin Number A3/
 broken out or cracked..       exceed 100 hours      53, Revision A,
                               TIS.                  dated August 30,
                                                     2001, as
                                                     applicable.
-----------------------------
(2) If during any inspection  Prior to further      Follow deHavilland
 required in paragraph         flight after any      Beaver Alert
 (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of   inspection required   Service Bulletin
 this AD:                      by paragraphs         Number A2/53,
(i) the lockwire holes are     (e)(1)(i) and         Revision A, dated
 found damaged, replace plug   (e)(1)(ii) of this    August 30, 2001;
 and/or receptacle with the    AD.                   and deHavilland
 parts of the same part                              Otter Alert Service
 numbers; and.                                       Bulletin Number A3/
(ii) the lockwire is                                 53, Revision A,
 damaged, replace the                                dated August 30,
 lockwire..                                          2001, as
                                                     applicable.
-----------------------------
(3) When the plugs or         Prior to further      Follow the
 receptacles are replaced,     flight after any      applicable
 do an operational check of    replacement           maintenance manual
 the magnetos and correct as   required by           procedures.
 appropriate.                  paragraph (e)(2)(i)
                               of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: We recommend you insert de Havilland Inc. Temporary 
Revision No. 2-24, dated August 24, 2001, and Temporary Revision No. 
14, dated August 24, 2001, into the applicable maintenance manual.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Sarbhpreet Singh 
Sawhney, Aerospace Engineer, New York ACO, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7340; 
facsimile: (516) 794-5531.

May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

    (g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD 
from Bombardier Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Garratt Boulevard, 
Downsview, Ontario, Canada

[[Page 19135]]

M3K 1Y5; facsimile: (416) 375-4538. You may view these documents at 
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (h) Canadian AD Number CF-2001-36, dated October 31, 2001, and 
Canadian AD Number CF-2001-37, dated October 31, 2001, also address 
the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 5, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8221 Filed 4-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P