[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 173 (Wednesday, September 9, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46317-46319]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-20836]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0526; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-029-AD;
Amendment 39-16008; AD 2009-18-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Four aircraft have experienced a dual AC [alternating current]
generator shutdown, caused by a broken propeller de-ice bus bar
which short-circuited with the backplate assembly.
* * * A short circuit can cause a dual AC generator shutdown
that, particularly in conjunction with an engine failure in icing
conditions, could result in reduced controllability of the aircraft.
* * * * *
Reduced controllability of the airplane in certain operating
conditions affects continued safe flight and landing. We are issuing
this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 14, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 14,
2009.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer,
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) 228-7311; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 10, 2009 (74 FR
27476). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Four aircraft have experienced a dual AC [alternating current]
generator shutdown, caused by a broken propeller de-ice bus bar
which short-circuited with the backplate assembly.
It was subsequently determined that any friction or contact
between a propeller de-ice bus bar and the backplate assembly can
cause an intermittent short circuit. Such a short circuit can cause
a dual AC generator shutdown that, particularly in conjunction with
an engine failure in icing conditions, could result in reduced
controllability of the aircraft.
This [Transport Canada Civil Aviation] directive mandates
revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to introduce a
procedure that restores AC power following a failure of No. 1 and
No. 2 AC generators with propeller de-ice on. Additionally, in order
to prevent similar dual AC generator shutdowns, it mandates the
application of sealant as insulation between the propeller de-ice
bus bars and the backplate assembly.
Reduced controllability of the airplane in certain operating
conditions affects continued safe flight and landing. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 62 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the
[[Page 46318]]
cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $29,760, or $480 per
product.
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 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 this 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2009-18-12 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment
39-16008. Docket No. FAA-2009-0526; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-
029-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October
14, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401,
and DHC-8-402 series airplanes, certificated in any category, serial
numbers 4001, 4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4154 inclusive.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 61:
Propellers/Propulsors.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Four aircraft have experienced a dual AC [alternating current]
generator shutdown, caused by a broken propeller de-ice bus bar
which short-circuited with the backplate assembly.
It was subsequently determined that any friction or contact
between a propeller de-ice bus bar and the backplate assembly can
cause an intermittent short circuit. Such a short circuit can cause
a dual AC generator shutdown that, particularly in conjunction with
an engine failure in icing conditions, could result in reduced
controllability of the aircraft.
This [Transport Canada Civil Aviation] directive mandates
revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to introduce a
procedure that restores AC power following a failure of No. 1 and
No. 2 AC generators with propeller de-ice on. Additionally, in order
to prevent similar dual AC generator shutdowns, it mandates the
application of sealant as insulation between the propeller de-ice
bus bars and the backplate assembly.
Reduced controllability of the airplane in certain operating
conditions affects continued safe flight and landing.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Limitations Section of the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 AFM, PSM 1-84-
1A, by inserting a copy of Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 Temporary
Amendment (TA) 14, Issue 1, dated May 10, 2006. When the information
in Bombardier TA 14, Issue 1, dated May 10, 2006, is included in the
general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted
in the AFM and the TA may be removed.
(2) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD: Apply sealant between the bus bar assemblies and the backplate
assembly by incorporating Bombardier DHC-8-400 Modification Summary
4-163047, Revision B, dated August 22, 2008, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-61-03,
Revision `A,' dated September 18, 2008.
(3) Incorporating Bombardier DHC-8-400 Modification Summary
Package 4-163047 before the effective date of this AD in accordance
with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-61-03, dated April 27, 2007, is
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Wing Chan, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York
ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7311; fax (516) 794-5531. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your
principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics
inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector,
your local Flight Standards District Office.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
[[Page 46319]]
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2009-01,
dated January 19, 2009; Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 TA 14, Issue 1, dated
May 10, 2006; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-61-03, Revision
`A,' dated September 18, 2008; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 Temporary Amendment 14,
Issue 1, dated May 10, 2006; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-61-
03, Revision `A,' dated September 18, 2008; as applicable; to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 18, 2009.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-20836 Filed 9-8-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P