[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12366-12368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02516]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1226; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-122-AD; 
Amendment 39-17741; AD 2014-03-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. 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 certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by a report of a translating door handle jamming during opening of an 
aft door. This AD requires replacing the handle shaft with a new 
single-piece machined handle shaft on the aft entry and service doors, 
and requires revising the maintenance program by incorporating a new 
airworthiness limitation task. We are issuing this AD to prevent a 
migrated pin from jamming a translating door handle, which could 
prevent opening of the door and impede an emergency evacuation.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 9, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 9, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2012-1226; 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 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 view this referenced 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

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, NY 
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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on December 13, 2012 (77 FR 74126). The NPRM was prompted by a 
report of a translating door handle jamming during opening of an aft 
door. The NPRM proposed to require replacing the handle shaft with a 
new single-piece machined handle shaft on the aft entry and service 
doors, and requires revising the maintenance program by incorporating a 
new airworthiness limitation task. We are issuing this AD to prevent a 
migrated pin from jamming a translating door handle, which could 
prevent opening of the door and impede an emergency evacuation.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2012-17, dated May 24, 2012 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    There was one reported case of the translating door handle 
jamming on opening. It was found that the pin on the existing handle 
shaft could migrate and cause the translating door handle to jam. A 
jammed translating door handle could prevent the opening of the door 
and impede evacuation in the event of an emergency.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the installation of the single piece 
machined handle shaft (ModSum 4-113687) on the aft entry door and 
the aft service door, as well as the incorporation of the new 
Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) tasks introduced as a result of this 
ModSum.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-1226-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(77 FR 74126, December 13, 2012) and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Request for Optional Compliance Method

    Horizon Air requested that the NPRM (77 FR 74126, December 13, 
2012) be revised to account for handle shafts that might have been 
replaced with the single-piece machined handle shaft through attrition. 
Horizon Air stated that the illustrated parts catalog identifies the 
single-piece handle shaft as an acceptable replacement part number, and 
that operators might have used that single-piece handle shaft as a 
replacement but without using the steps specified in Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-52-66, Revision A, dated October 24, 2011.
    We agree to revise this final rule. We have redesignated paragraph 
(i) of the NPRM (77 FR 74126, December 13, 2012) as paragraph (i)(1) in 
this final rule and added paragraph (i)(2) to provide credit for 
installing single-piece machined handle shafts with certain part 
numbers by attrition (for example, replacing the handle shaft during 
maintenance actions) before the effective date of this final rule. 
Operators can provide a maintenance record of this action to show 
compliance with this final rule.

Request To Clarify Compliance Time

    Horizon Air requested that the FAA state how the repetitive 25,000-
flight-hour interval specified in the tasks required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of the NPRM (77 FR 74126, December 13, 2012) should be applied. 
Horizon Air

[[Page 12367]]

asked if the 25,000-flight-hour interval applies to the flight hours 
accumulated by the airframe, or to the in-service time accumulated on 
the handle.
    We agree with the commenter's request, and have revised paragraph 
(h)(1) of this final rule to clarify that the 25,000-flight-hour 
compliance time for the repetitive inspection interval must be applied 
to the airplane service life, not to the handle service life.

Request To Remove the Word ``New'' for the Replacement Handle

    Horizon Air requested that the word ``new'' be removed from the 
description of the required replacement part in paragraph (g) of the 
NPRM (77 FR 74126, December 13, 2012). Horizon Air states that, because 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-66, Revision A, dated October 24, 
2011, uses the word ``new'' in the instructions for the handle shaft 
replacement, the use of the word ``new'' in the NPRM is unnecessary.
    We disagree. We describe the required actions from service 
information as accurately as possible and without ambiguity as to the 
required condition of any replacement parts. We have no information or 
data to determine that ``new or serviceable'' would be more appropriate 
than ``new,'' as specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-66, 
Revision A, dated October 24, 2011. However, under the provisions of 
paragraph (j)(1) of this final rule, operators may request approval to 
use a ``serviceable'' handle if sufficient data are submitted to 
substantiate that the part would provide an acceptable level of safety. 
We have not changed this final rule in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 74126, December 13, 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 74126, December 13, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 78 products of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 8 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 $10,596 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 $879,528, or $11,276 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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2012-1226; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, 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.

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:

2014-03-04 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17741. Docket No. FAA-
2012-1226; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-122-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 9, 
2014.

(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, 
and 4003 through 4364 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52; Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a translating door handle 
jamming during opening of an aft door. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent a migrated pin from jamming a translating door handle, which 
could prevent opening of the door and impede an emergency 
evacuation.

(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) Installation of the Single-Piece Machined Handle Shaft on the Aft 
Entry Door and the Aft Service Door

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, replace the handle shaft with a 
new single-piece machined handle shaft on the aft entry and service 
doors by

[[Page 12368]]

incorporating Modification Summary (ModSum) 4-113687, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
84-52-66, Revision A, dated October 24, 2011.

(h) Revision of the Maintenance Program Schedule

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the maintenance program by incorporating the information in 
maintenance Tasks 521200-105 and 524100-105 of Bombardier Temporary 
Revision (TR) ALI-122, dated November 4, 2011, into Section 1 
Certification Maintenance Requirements of the Airworthiness 
Limitations Items (ALI) Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance 
Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7. The compliance time for doing the 
initial inspections of the handle shafts on the aft entry and 
service door is within 25,000 flight hours after installation of the 
new handle shaft specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. The flight 
hours specified in the tasks must be applied to the airplane service 
life, not to the handle service life. Thereafter, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
    (2) The maintenance program revision required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD may be done by inserting a copy of Bombardier TR 
ALI-122, dated November 4, 2011, into Section 1 Certification 
Maintenance Requirements of the Airworthiness Limitations Items 
(ALI) Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Requirements 
Manual, PSM 1-84-7. When this TR has been included in general 
revisions of the maintenance requirements manual, the general 
revisions may be inserted in the maintenance requirements manual and 
this TR removed.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-
66, dated July 25, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if, through attrition, the handle shaft 
was replaced with a single-piece machined handle shaft having part 
number 85217916-115 or 85217916-116 before the effective date of 
this AD.

(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, NY 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 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-17, dated May 24, 
2012, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2012-1226-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be viewed at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(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 84-52-66, Revision A, dated 
October 24, 2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Temporary Revision ALI-122, dated November 4, 
2011, to Section 1 Certification Maintenance Requirements of the 
Airworthiness Limitations Items (ALI) Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7.
    (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 view this 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 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 January 22, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02516 Filed 3-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P