[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 8, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47277-47279]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18886]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0422; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-177-AD; 
Amendment 39-17146; AD 2012-15-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports that various pushrods had been manufactured with tubes having 
the incorrect heat treatment. This AD requires replacing the affected 
pushrod assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of rudder 
control, reduced directional control of the airplane on the ground, or 
a jammed nose landing gear (NLG) door that could prevent the NLG from 
retracting or extending.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 12, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 12, 
2012.

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: 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:

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 May 1, 2012 (77 FR 
25642). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    It was discovered that various pushrods installed on the DHC-8 
Series 100/200/300/400 aeroplanes had been manufactured with tubes 
having the incorrect heat treatment, using 6061-T4 instead of 6061-
T6. The incorrect heat treatment appreciably degrades the strength 
of these affected pushrods. Failure of these affected pushrods could 
result in a loss of rudder control, reduced directional control of 
the aeroplane on the ground or a jammed nose landing gear (NLG) door 
that could prevent the NLG from retracting or extending.
    This [Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA)] directive mandates 
the replacement of the affected pushrod assembly.

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 (77 FR 25642, May 1, 2012) 
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--except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 25642, May 1, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 25642, May 1, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 171 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 28 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 $6,504 
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 $1,519,164, or $8,884 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.

[[Page 47278]]

    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 that 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);
    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 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 (77 FR 25642, May 1, 2012), 
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:

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:

2012-15-16 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17146. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0422; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-177-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
12, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc. airplanes, certificated 
in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of 
this AD.
    (1) Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -
315 airplanes, serial numbers 413, 443, 450 through 452 inclusive, 
456, 458, 462 through 465 inclusive, 467 through 470 inclusive, and 
473 through 588 inclusive.
    (2) Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 
4001, 4003 through 4006 inclusive, and 4008 through 4197 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
controls; and Code 32: Landing gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that various pushrods had been 
manufactured with tubes having the incorrect heat treatment. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of rudder control, reduced 
directional control of the airplane on the ground, or a jammed nose 
landing gear (NLG) door that could prevent the NLG from retracting 
or extending.

(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) Replace Brake Rudder Control Pushrod--Model DHC-8-100, -200, -300

    For Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -
315 airplanes, serial numbers 464, 508, 511 through 513 inclusive, 
and 515 through 588 inclusive: Within 3,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, replace the affected brake rudder control 
pushrod, part number (P/N) 82710274-001, by incorporating Modsum 
8Q101334, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-100, Revision A, dated March 22, 
2011.

(h) Replace NLG Door Pushrod--Model DHC-8-200, -300

    For Model DHC-8-201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, 
serial numbers 552 through 588 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD, replace nose landing gear door 
pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, by incorporating Modsum 8Q101335, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 8-32-156, dated February 26, 2010.

(i) Replace NLG Door Pushrod--Model DHC-8-400

    For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 
4003 through 4005 inclusive, 4009 through 4011 inclusive, 4016, 
4017, and 4024 through 4072 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight hours 
after the effective date of this AD, replace nose landing gear door 
pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, by incorporating Modsum 4-113457, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-32-28, dated November 27, 2008.

(j) Replace Brake Rudder Control and Rudder Control Pushrods--Model 
DHC-8-400

    For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 
4001, 4003 through 4006 inclusive, and 4008 through 4072 inclusive: 
Within 3,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
replace brake rudder control pushrod, P/N 82710274-001, and rudder 
control pushrod, P/N 82710028-003, by incorporating Modsum 4-113455, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-27-21, Revision A, dated March 22, 2011.

(k) Replace Rudder Control Pushrod--Model DHC-8-100, -200, -300

    For Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -
315 airplanes, serial numbers 413, 443, 450 through 452 inclusive, 
456, 458, 462 through 465 inclusive, 467 through 470 inclusive, and 
473 through 588 inclusive: Within 3,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, replace rudder control pushrod, P/N 
82710028-003, by incorporating Modsum 8Q101333, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-
99, dated October 10, 2008.

(l) Inspect/Replace NLG Landing Gear Door Pushrod

    For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 
4006, 4008, 4012 through 4015 inclusive, 4018 through 4023 
inclusive, and 4073 through 4197 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, inspect the lot number of 
the pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, for the nose landing gear door 
mechanism, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010.
    (1) If the lot number of the pushrod does not match any of those 
listed in the table in paragraph 3.B.(2) of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010, no further action is required 
by this paragraph.

[[Page 47279]]

    (2) If the lot number of the pushrod matches any of those listed 
in the table in paragraph 3.B.(2) of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
32-75, dated June 1, 2010, before further flight, replace the 
pushrod, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., Rectification, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, 
dated June 1, 2010.

(m) Parts Installation Prohibition

    For Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 
4006, 4008, 4012 through 4015 inclusive, 4018 through 4023 
inclusive, and 4073 through 4197 inclusive: As of the effective date 
of this AD, no person may install a pushrod, P/N 83232012-001, with 
the lot number listed in the table in paragraph 3.B.(2) of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010, on any 
airplane.

(n) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service bulletins 
identified in paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-100, dated October 10, 2008 
(for paragraph (g) of this AD).
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-21, dated October 10, 2008 
(for paragraph (j) of this AD).

(o) 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.

(p) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian AD CF-2011-31, dated August 15, 2011, and 
the Bombardier service bulletins identified in paragraphs (p)(1) 
through (p)(6) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-99, dated October 10, 2008.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-100, Revision A, dated 
March 22, 2011.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-156, dated February 26, 
2010.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-21, Revision A, dated 
March 22, 2011.
    (5) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-28, dated November 27, 
2008.
    (6) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010.

(q) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-99, dated October 10, 2008.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-100, Revision A, dated 
March 22, 2011.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-156, dated February 26, 
2010.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-21, Revision A, dated 
March 22, 2011.
    (v) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-28, dated November 27, 
2008.
    (vi) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-75, dated June 1, 2010.
    (3) For Bombardier 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.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) 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 an NARA facility, 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 July 24, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-18886 Filed 8-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P