[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24343-24345]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9673]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1157; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-137-AD; 
Amendment 39-16674; AD 2011-09-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-101, -102, 
-103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, -315, -401, and -402 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:

    There have been several in-service reports of finding trapped 
water on the bottom of the cockpit windshield frames (or lower 
windshield frames) that resulted in either corrosion or water 
ingress into the cockpit. In one occurrence, the trapped water 
caused severe corrosion of numerous anchor nuts that secure the 
windshield to the lower windshield frame, such that the intended 
fastening function was seriously compromised.
    Corrosion of the lower windshield frames, including the anchor 
nuts that secure the windshield to the aircraft structure, can 
result in a serious structural degradation possibly leading to the 
loss of the windshield during flight. Also, water could leak into 
the cockpit and cause either a malfunction or failure of the 
electrical and electronics systems in the area of the cockpit 
instrument panels.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 6, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 6, 2011.

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: Craig Yates, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7355; 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 November 23, 2010 
(75 FR 71369). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:


[[Page 24344]]


    There have been several in-service reports of finding trapped 
water on the bottom of the cockpit windshield frames (or lower 
windshield frames) that resulted in either corrosion or water 
ingress into the cockpit. In one occurrence, the trapped water 
caused severe corrosion of numerous anchor nuts that secure the 
windshield to the lower windshield frame, such that the intended 
fastening function was seriously compromised.
    Corrosion of the lower windshield frames, including the anchor 
nuts that secure the windshield to the aircraft structure, can 
result in a serious structural degradation possibly leading to the 
loss of the windshield during flight. Also, water could leak into 
the cockpit and cause either a malfunction or failure of the 
electrical and electronics systems in the area of the cockpit 
instrument panels.
    The lower windshield frames do not have drain provisions to 
prevent moisture or water run-off from the condensation of the 
windshields from being trapped. The consequences of trapped water in 
the lower windshield frames can result in unsafe conditions, as 
noted above. This Directive mandates the installation of a drain 
system for the lower windshield frames.

For Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes, the installation also includes 
a related investigative action, and corrective actions if necessary. 
The related investigative action is an inspection for corrosion of the 
anchor nuts and window frame. Corrective actions include replacing any 
corroded anchor nut with a new or serviceable anchor nut, or contacting 
the manufacturer for repair instructions and doing the repair. 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 considered the comment received.

Request to Reference Revision D of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78

    Hawaii Island Air stated that Bombardier has issued new Revision D, 
dated July 6, 2010, for Service Bulletin 8-53-78.
    We infer that Hawaii Island Air requested that we update our 
references to include Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, Revision D, 
dated July 6, 2010. We agree. This service bulletin was revised for 
minor changes such as a serial number change and deletion of certain 
modification kits. We have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to 
reference Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, Revision D, dated July 
6, 2010. We have also added paragraph (h) of this AD to give credit for 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, Revision C, dated April 29, 2010.

Revision to Applicability

    We have added Model DHC-8-101 airplanes to the applicability of 
this AD because these airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe 
condition. There are no Model DHC-8-101 airplanes registered in the 
United States.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

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 191 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 20 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $1,660 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that 
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $641,760, or $3,360 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

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 24345]]

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:

2011-09-12 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-16674. Docket No. FAA-
2010-1157; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-137-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 6, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc. airplanes, 
certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and 
(c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, 
and -315, serial numbers 003 through 566 inclusive.
    (2) Model DHC-8-401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 4001, 
4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4274 inclusive.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56: Windows.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    There have been several in-service reports of finding trapped 
water on the bottom of the cockpit windshield frames (or lower 
windshield frames) that resulted in either corrosion or water 
ingress into the cockpit. In one occurrence, the trapped water 
caused severe corrosion of numerous anchor nuts that secure the 
windshield to the lower windshield frame, such that the intended 
fastening function was seriously compromised.
    Corrosion of the lower windshield frames, including the anchor 
nuts that secure the windshield to the aircraft structure, can 
result in a serious structural degradation possibly leading to the 
loss of the windshield during flight. Also, water could leak into 
the cockpit and cause either a malfunction or failure of the 
electrical and electronics systems in the area of the cockpit 
instrument panels.
* * * * *

Compliance

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

Actions

    (g) Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, install a drain system in 
the cockpit windshield lower frames, and do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, 
Revision D, dated July 6, 2010 (for Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -
106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes); or 84-53-43, dated 
April 27, 2010 (for Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes); except 
where these service bulletins state to contact the manufacturer, 
contact the New York Aircraft Certification Office or Transport 
Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) or its delegated agent. Do all 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions before 
further flight.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (h) For Models DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -
311, and -315 airplanes: Modification of the drain system is also 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD, if done before the effective date of this AD, in accordance 
with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, dated December 23, 1999; 
Revision A, dated June 7, 2001; Revision B, dated May 2, 2002; or 
Revision C, dated April 29, 2010.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (i) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-170, FAA, has the authority 
to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures 
found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your 
request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards 
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to 
the ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before 
using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (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.

Related Information

    (j) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-16, 
dated May 18, 2010; Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, Revision D, 
dated July 6, 2010; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-43, dated 
April 27, 2010; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, Revision 
D, dated July 6, 2010; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-43, 
dated April 27, 2010; 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., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt 
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; 
fax 416-375-4539; 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.
    (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 April 12, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-9673 Filed 4-29-11; 8:45 am]
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