[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61511-61513]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24523]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 10, 2012 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 61511]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0588; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-017-AD; 
Amendment 39-17210; AD 2012-20-04]
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-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by reports of chafing between the wire harness along the wing leading 
edge and the inboard end rib of the wing leading edge due to 
insufficient clearance. This AD requires inspecting the wire harness 
along the leading edge for chafing damage, and repair if necessary; and 
relocating and installing new anchor nuts. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct chafing damage to the wire harness along the wing 
leading edge, which if not corrected, could lead to the loss of the 
airframe de-icing system, and could become a possible ignition source 
causing fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 14, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 14, 
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: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7301; 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 5, 2012 (77 FR 
33125). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    There have been several in-service reports of chafing between 
the wire harness along the wing leading edge and the wing leading 
edge inboard end rib. The chafing condition was found to be caused 
by insufficient clearance between the wire harness and the 
structure. Chafing and damage to this wire harness could lead to the 
loss of the airframe de-icing system, and could be a possible 
ignition source causing fire and the subsequent loss of the 
aeroplane.
    This [Transport Canada Civil Aviation] Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) mandates [a detailed] inspection of the wire harness along the 
leading edge [for chafing damage, and repair if necessary] and the 
relocation [and installation of new] anchor nut[s].

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 Include Latest Revision of Service Information

    Horizon Air (Horizon) requested that we revise the proposed rule 
(77 FR 33125, June 5, 2012) to reflect the latest revision of the 
service information. Horizon pointed out that Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-57-24, dated September 30, 2011, referenced in that NPRM 
contained an error in a work step that needed to be corrected.
    We agree. Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-57-24, Revision 
A, dated August 6, 2012. This service bulletin was revised to correct a 
reference to a figure in a work step. We have changed this final rule 
to reference Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-24, Revision A, dated 
August 6, 2012, throughout. We have also added paragraph (i) of this 
final rule to give credit for actions performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-24, dated 
September 30, 2011.

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 and minor editorial changes. 
We have determined that these changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 33125, June 5, 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 33125, June 5, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 83 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 9 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 $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 this AD to the U.S. operators 
to be $63,495, or $765 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

[[Page 61512]]

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 33125, June 5, 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:

2012-20-04 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17210. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0588; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-017-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 14, 
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 
through 4382 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of chafing between the wire 
harness along the wing leading edge and the inboard end rib of the 
wing leading edge due to insufficient clearance. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct chafing damage to the wire harness along 
the wing leading edge, which if not corrected, could lead to the 
loss of the airframe de-icing system, and could become a possible 
ignition source causing fire.

(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 and Repair

    Within 3,000 flight hours or 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a detailed inspection 
for chafing damage of the wire harness at the leading edge, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-57-24, Revision A, dated August 6, 2012. If any 
chafing damage is found: Before further flight, repair in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
84-57-24, Revision A, dated August 6, 2012.

(h) Installation of New Anchor Nuts

    Within 3,000 flight hours or 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Relocate and install new anchor 
nuts on the leading edge, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-24, Revision A, 
dated August 6, 2012.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-57-24, dated September 30, 2011.

(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-2012-05, 
dated January 13, 2012; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-57-24, 
Revision A, dated August 6, 2012; 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.

(l) 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 84-57-24, Revision A, dated 
August 6, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,

[[Page 61513]]

WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24523 Filed 10-9-12; 8:45 am]
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