[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 27, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44591-44592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-16680]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-285-AD; Amendment 39-13743; AD 2004-15-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, 
-106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 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 Bombardier Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -106, -
201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. This amendment requires an 
inspection of the fuel tube assembly of the auxiliary power unit (APU) 
for clearance from adjacent components; and an inspection of the fuel 
tube assembly and the bleed air duct shroud for discrepancies 
(insufficient clearance, nicks, dents, chafing, or other damage); and 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This 
amendment also requires relocation of certain support clamps on the APU 
fuel tube assembly. This action is necessary to prevent a fuel leak 
caused by chafing of the APU fuel tube assembly, which could result in 
fire in the center wing area. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective August 31, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 31, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, 
Westbury, New York; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; fax (516) 794-5531.

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 Bombardier Model DHC-8-
101, -102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes was 
published in the Federal Register on May 19, 2004 (69 FR 28863). That 
action proposed to require an inspection of the fuel tube assembly of 
the auxiliary power unit (APU) for clearance from adjacent components; 
an inspection of the fuel tube assembly and the bleed air duct shroud 
for discrepancies (insufficient clearance, nicks, dents, chafing, or 
other damage); and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. That action also proposed to require relocation of certain 
support clamps on the APU fuel tube assembly.

Comments

    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 125 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $8,125, or $65 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. 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 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.
    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

[[Page 44592]]

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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-15-09 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 
39-13743. Docket 2003-NM-285-AD.

    Applicability: Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -
301, -311, and -315 airplanes, serial number 003 through 585 
inclusive; certificated in any category; with auxiliary power unit 
(APU) installation per Standard Option Only (S.O.O.) 8155 or Change 
Request (CR) 849SO08155.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent a fuel leak caused by chafing of the APU fuel tube 
assembly, which could result in fire in the center wing area, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection, Relocation and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection of the APU fuel tube assembly for 
discrepancies. The inspection includes examining the routing of the 
fuel tube assembly to ensure that the tube has sufficient clearance 
between the shroud of the bleed air duct and the gust lock cable; 
and inspecting the fuel tube assembly and the bleed air duct shroud 
for other discrepancies such as nicks, dents, chafing, or other 
damage. If the inspection shows no discrepancies, before further 
flight, relocate the clamps on the fuel tube assembly. If the 
inspection shows discrepancies, before further flight, do the 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, and 
relocate the clamps on the fuel tube assembly. Accomplish all 
actions per the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 8-49-19, Revision A, dated July 7, 2003.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Inspections Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

    (b) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
per Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-49-19, dated May 13, 2003, are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action 
specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-49-19, 
Revision A, dated July 7, 2003. 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, 123 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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New 
York; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 
(202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2003-22, dated September 3, 2003.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 31, 2004.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 9, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16680 Filed 7-26-04; 8:45 am]
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