[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 23, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49332-49335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13829]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24290; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-243-AD; 
Amendment 39-14731; AD 2006-17-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, 
and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 series 
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the fluorescent 
light tube assemblies of the cabin, lavatory, and sidewall, and 
corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides for optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from 
reports of overheating due to arcing between the fluorescent tube pins 
and the lamp holder contacts. The tubes had not been properly seated 
during installation. We are issuing this AD to prevent fumes, traces of 
visible smoke, and fire at the fluorescent light tube assembly.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 27, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 27, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street

[[Page 49333]]

SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 
123 Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada, for service 
information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Wagner, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7306; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier 
Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. That NPRM 
was published in the Federal Register on April 4, 2006 (71 FR 16725). 
That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of the fluorescent 
light tube assemblies of the cabin, lavatory, and sidewall, and 
corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to provide for 
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    Piedmont Airlines states that its C-check inspection interval can 
go up to 6,258 flight hours. Piedmont describes the grievous effect the 
NPRM compliance times will have on the airline. The NPRM specifies a 
compliance time of 5,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs 
first, for the initial compliance time, and repetitive intervals of 
5,000 flight hours. The commenter requests that the initial inspection 
be done within the next C-check or 36 months and that the repetitive 
interval be done at intervals not to exceed the next C-check.
    We agree to extend the compliance time, although we cannot refer to 
``the next C-check'' because the variability among operators' 
maintenance schedules would not guarantee that the required work would 
be done within an appropriate time. We have instead revised paragraph 
(f) of this final rule to require an initial compliance time of 6,300 
flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, with a repetitive 
interval of 6,300 flight hours. We have determined that such an 
extension will not adversely affect safety, and will allow the work to 
be performed during regularly scheduled maintenance at a base where 
special equipment and trained maintenance personnel will be available 
if necessary.

Request To Clarify Parts Replacement Requirements

    Piedmont requests that we clarify paragraph (h) of the NPRM, which 
prohibits installing a ballast part number (P/N) BA08006-1 or BA08006-
28-1 as of the effective date of the AD. Piedmont questions whether 
that statement applies when parts are removed for other maintenance, or 
only when the part is replaced.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concern, but do not find it 
necessary to revise the final rule. The intent of paragraph (h) is to 
specifically prohibit replacing a ballast with another ballast having 
P/N BA08006-1 or BA08006-28-1. By simply reinstalling a part removed 
during maintenance, the operator is not ``installing'' a different 
part.
    Gaining access and installing that part for other maintenance 
activities not associated with the AD is acceptable.

Additional Change to NPRM

    Paragraph (f) of the NPRM refers to ``Chapter 33-20-00, Section 
D,'' of the airplane maintenance manual (AMM) as one approved repair 
method. We have removed the section reference (there is no Section D) 
in this final rule. Acceptable repair instructions are found in Chapter 
33-22-00 of the applicable AMM.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD. This AD will affect about 121 U.S.-registered 
airplanes.

                                      Estimated Costs, Per Inspection Cycle
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                                                         Average labor
              Action                    Work hours       rate per hour         Parts          Cost per airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection, per inspection cycle.  6 maximum..........             $80  None...............  Up to $480.
Ballast replacement (optional)...  2, per ballast \1\.              80  $486, per ballast..  Up to $41,344.
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                   \1\Number of Ballasts Per Airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Number of
               Area                     Airplane model         ballasts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lavatory.........................  DHC-8-100 and -200......            1
                                   DHC-8-300...............            1
Sidewall.........................  DHC-8-100 and -200......           19
                                   DHC-8-300...............           30
Cabin............................  DHC-8-100 and -200......           21
                                   DHC-8-300...............           33
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 49334]]

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-17-10 BOMBARDIER, INC. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 
39-14731. Docket No. FAA-2006-24290; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
243-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 27, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -
201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes; certificated in any 
category; serial numbers 003 through 407 inclusive, 409 through 412 
inclusive, and 414 through 433 inclusive; excluding those with 
Hunting interiors.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of overheating due to arcing 
between the fluorescent tube pins and the lamp holder contacts. The 
tubes had not been properly seated during installation. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent fumes, traces of visible smoke, and fire 
at the fluorescent light tube assembly.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection

    (f) Within 6,300 flight hours or 36 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform detailed 
inspections to detect signs of arcing of the fluorescent tube 
assemblies of the cabin, sidewalls, and lavatory, in accordance with 
the applicable temporary revision (TR) of the applicable maintenance 
program manual (MPM) identified in Table 1 of this AD. If any sign 
of arcing is found, repair before further flight using a method 
approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (or its 
delegated agent). Chapter 33-20-00 of the applicable airplane 
maintenance manual is one approved method. Repeat the inspection at 
intervals not to exceed 6,300 flight hours, until all ballast part 
numbers (P/Ns) BA08006-1 or BA08006-28-1 have been replaced in 
accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.

                                                  Table 1.--TRs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        In
   Inspect the fluorescent tube     accordance                         To the de Havilland
        assemblies of the--         with task-- of de Havilland TR--     DASH 8 series--         For model--
 
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Cabin.............................     3320/01  MRB-146, dated        100 MPM PSM 1-8-7...  DHC-8-102, -103, and
                                                 August 31, 2004.                            -106 airplanes.
                                       3320/01  MRB 2-24, dated       200 MPM PSM 1-82-7..  DHC-8-201 and -202
                                                 August 31, 2004.                            airplanes.
                                       3320/01  MRB 3-155, dated      300 MPM PSM 1-83-7..  DHC-8-301, -311, and
                                                 August 31, 2004.                            -315 airplanes.
Lavatory..........................     3320/03  MRB-147, dated May    100 MPM PSM 1-8-7...  DHC-8-102, -103, -
                                                 3, 2005.                                    106 airplanes.
                                       3320/03  MRB 2-25, dated May   200 MPM PSM 1-82-7..  DHC-8-201 and -202
                                                 3, 2005.                                    airplanes.
                                       3320/03  MRB 3-156, dated May  300 MPM PSM 1-83-7..  DHC-8-301, -311, and
                                                 3, 2005.                                    -315 airplanes.
Sidewall..........................     3320/02  MRB-147, dated May    100 MPM PSM 1-8-7...  DHC-8-102, -103, and
                                                 3, 2005.                                    -106 airplanes.
                                       3320/02  MRB 2-25, dated May   200 MPM PSM 1-82-7..  DHC-8-201 and -202
                                                 3, 2005.                                    airplanes.
                                       3320/02  MRB 3-156, dated May  300 MPM PSM 1-83-7..  DHC-8-301, -311, and
                                                 3, 2005.                                    -315 airplanes.
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[[Page 49335]]

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Terminating Action

    (g) The repetitive inspections required by this AD may be 
terminated if all ballasts installed on the airplane have P/N 
BR9000-21, installed in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-51, Revision `A,' 
dated April 20, 2005 (to replace ballast P/N BA08006-1), or 8-33-52, 
dated April 15, 2005 (to replace ballast P/N BA08006-28-1). Ballasts 
installed before the effective date of this AD are also acceptable 
if done in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-51, 
dated August 16, 2002.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install a 
ballast P/N BA08006-1 or BA08006-28-1 on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, New York ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (j) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2004-26R1, dated 
September 28, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the service information identified in Table 2 
of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise.

              Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            To the de Havilland DASH 8
   de Havilland Temporary Revision--                 Series--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MRB-146, dated August 31, 2004.........  100 Maintenance Program Manual
                                          PSM 1-8-7.
MRB-147, dated May 3, 2005.............  100 Maintenance Program Manual
                                          PSM 1-8-7.
MRB 2-24, dated August 31, 2004........  200 Maintenance Program Manual
                                          PSM 1-82-7.
MRB 2-25, dated May 3, 2005............  200 Maintenance Program Manual
                                          PSM 1-82-7.
MRB 3-155, dated August 31, 2004.......  300 Maintenance Program Manual
                                          PSM 1-83-7.
MRB 3-156, dated May 3, 2005...........  300 Maintenance Program Manual
                                          PSM 1-83-7.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (Page 2 of de Havilland Temporary Revision MRB-147, dated May 3, 
2005, incorrectly refers to Series 300 airplanes; that reference 
should be to Series 100.) If the terminating action is accomplished, 
you must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-51, Revision `A,' 
dated April 20, 2005; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-52, dated 
April 15, 2005, as applicable, to perform the optional terminating 
action specified in this AD. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 123 Garratt 
Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada, for a copy of this 
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet 
at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 14, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-13829 Filed 8-22-06; 8:45 am]
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