[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 12, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34874-34876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14212]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0594; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-019-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of movement of the rudder 
pedals being impeded due to corrosion of the trunnion shaft of the 
rudder feel trim unit (RFTU). This proposed AD would require inspecting 
to determine if certain RFTUs are installed, an operational check for 
signs of seizure of affected parts, repetitive lubrication for certain 
RFTUs, and replacing the RFTU with a new RFTU if necessary. 
Installation of replaced RFTUs with conformal bushings terminates the 
repetitive lubrication requirements. We are proposing this AD to detect 
and correct any sign of seizure of the trunnion shaft and its bushing, 
which could cause a rudder control jam or a large and rapid alternating 
rudder input leading to a structural failure of the vertical fin.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 27, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced 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.

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 this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in

[[Page 34875]]

the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, 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) 228-7318; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0594; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-019-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2012-02, dated January 9, 2012 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

There have been several reported incidents on DHC-8 Series 400 
aeroplanes where the movement of the rudder pedals has been impeded. 
An investigation showed that the Rudder Feel Trim Unit (RFTU) 
trunnion shaft was corroded. The root cause of the corrosion was a 
quality escape where cadmium plating on the trunnion bushing within 
the RFTU assembly was not removed. Corrosion on the shaft and in the 
trunnion bushing seized the trunnion and caused difficulties in 
controlling the rudder movement.
This condition, if not corrected, could cause a rudder control jam 
or a large and rapid alternating rudder input leading to a 
structural failure of the vertical fin.
This [TCCA] Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued [inspect to 
determine serial number, an operational check for seizure, 
repetitive lubrication and] to replace the affected RFTUs to limit 
the possibility of binding and replace the affected RFTUs with units 
that have been reworked with conformal bushings to terminate the 
lubrication requirements.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 84-27-57, dated July 
22, 2011. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 83 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 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 the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $35,275, or $425 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$850 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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 AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2012-0594; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-019-AD.

[[Page 34876]]

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by July 27, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -
402 airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers 4001, 
4003 and subsequent, equipped with rudder feel trim unit part number 
399500-1007.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of movement of the rudder pedals 
being impeded due to corrosion of the trunnion shaft of the rudder 
feel trim unit (RFTU).
    We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any sign of seizure 
of the trunnion shaft and its bushing, which could cause a rudder 
control jam or a large and rapid alternating rudder input leading to 
a structural failure of the vertical fin.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 600 flight hours or six months after the effective date 
of this AD whichever occurs first, inspect the RTFU to determine 
whether the serial number (S/N) is in the range from 0009 through 
0388 without a suffix ``A,'' in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-57, dated July 22, 
2011. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu 
of this inspection if the serial number of the RFTU can be 
conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) If the RFTU's serial number is not in the range from 0009 
through 0388 or if the serial number has a suffix ``A,'' no further 
action is required for this paragraph.
    (2) If the RFTU's serial number is in the range from 0009 
through 0388 without a suffix ``A,'' before further flight, perform 
an operational check of the RFTU for any sign of seizure of the 
trunnion and its bushing, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-57, dated July 22, 
2011.
    (i) If a seizure of the RFTU trunnion and its bushings is found: 
Before further flight, replace the RFTU with a new RFTU, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-27-57, dated July 22, 2011.
    (ii) If no seizure of the RFTU trunnion and its bushings is 
found: Before further flight, lubricate the RFTU, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
27-57, dated July 22, 2011. Repeat the lubrication of the RFTU at 
intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours until the replacement 
required by paragraph (h) is done.

(h) Replacement

    For airplanes identified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Within 
6,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, replace all 
affected RFTUs with units that have a serial number outside the 
range from 0009 through 0388 or that have a serial number with a 
suffix ``A,'' in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-57, dated July 22, 2011.

(i) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
RFTU P/N 399500-1007 with a serial number from 0009 through 0388 
without a suffix ``A'' on any airplane.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-02, 
dated January 9, 2012; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-57, 
dated July 22, 2011; for related information.
    (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; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14212 Filed 6-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P