[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 178 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54891-54893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21770]



[[Page 54891]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0298; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-175-AD; 
Amendment 39-17522; AD 2013-15-06]
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-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, 
and --315 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of dual 
alternating current (AC) generator failure during flight. The failure 
was attributed to wire chafing along the wing lower flap shroud. This 
AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain 
tasks for the electrical wiring interconnection system inspection 
program. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of both AC 
generators due to wire chafing, which could result in loss of power to 
the anti-icing heaters for the elevator horn, engine inlet, and 
propeller, and consequent ice accumulation in these areas, which could 
adversely affect the controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 20, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0298; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, 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 referenced 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: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Services Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2013 
(78 FR 21573). The NPRM was prompted by reports of dual alternating 
current (AC) generator failure during flight. The NPRM proposed to 
require revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain tasks 
for the electrical wiring interconnection system inspection program. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of both AC generators due to 
wire chafing, which could result in loss of power to the anti-icing 
heaters for the elevator horn, engine inlet, and propeller, and 
consequent ice accumulation in these areas, which could adversely 
affect the controllability of the airplane.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2012-25, dated August 28, 2012 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -
106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    There have been several reported occurrences of dual 
[alternating current] AC Generator failure during flight, resulting 
in the loss of the variable frequency AC System.
    Investigations revealed wire chafing along the wing lower flap 
shroud due to sagging wiring harnesses resting on the support 
structure, missing teflon tape at the fairlead locations, and 
missing grommets. Chafed wires may lead to arcing, local 
overheating, and AC generator failure. The AC generators provide 
power to the anti-icing heaters, including elevator horn heater, 
engine inlet heater and propeller heater. Failure of both AC 
generators would result in the loss of these systems and poses a 
safety concern.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the inspection and rectification of 
the wiring harness installations along the centre wing lower flap 
shroud.

    Required actions include revising the maintenance program by 
incorporating electrical wiring interconnection system inspection 
program tasks.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0298-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. The Air Line Pilots 
Association, International stated that it supports the NPRM (78 FR 
21573, April 11, 2013).

 ``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in This AD

    Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled 
``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD 
based on a foreign authority's AD.
    We have become aware that some operators have misunderstood or 
misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to allow the owner/
operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer as approval of 
deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated action. The 
Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or other 
information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the 
requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product 
paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer 
for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not 
cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-
required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request 
the approval for an alternative method of compliance to the AD-required 
actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the 
Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed the paragraph and retitled 
it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now clarifies that 
for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a 
manufacturer, the actions must be accomplished using a method approved 
by the FAA, Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), or Bombardier, 
Inc.'s TCCA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
    The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature. The DAO signature indicates that the data and information 
contained in the document are TCCA-approved, which is also FAA-
approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer 
that do not contain the DAO-authorized signature approval are not TCCA-
approved, unless TCCA

[[Page 54892]]

directly approves the manufacturer's message or other information.
    This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded 
by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA 
policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This 
is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness 
Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase 
flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in 
manufacturers' service instructions that are ``Required for 
Compliance'' with ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to 
implement this recommendation. But once we determine that an action is 
required, any deviation from the requirement must be approved as an 
alternative method of compliance.
    We also have decided not to include a generic reference to either 
the ``delegated agent'' or ``design approval holder (DAH) with State of 
Design Authority design organization approval,'' but instead we have 
provided the specific delegation approval granted by the State of 
Design Authority for the DAH.

Explanation of Changes to This AD

    Paragraph (g) of this AD was revised to state that incorporation of 
tasks into the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, must 
be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New York 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA; or Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. The service 
information previously referenced in paragraph (g) of the NPRM (78 FR 
21573, April 11, 2013) is now referenced as guidance material in Notes 
1, 2, and 3 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 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 (78 FR 21573, April 11, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 21573, April 11, 2013).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 89 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $7,565, or $85 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.
    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/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0298; 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 AD, the 
MCAI, 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:

2013-15-06 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17522. Docket No. FAA-
2013-0298; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-175-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 20, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, 
-201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers 003 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of dual alternating current (AC) 
generator failure during flight. The failure was attributed to wire 
chafing along the wing lower flap shroud. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent failure of both AC generators due to wire chafing, which 
could result in loss of power to the anti-icing heaters for the 
elevator horn, engine inlet, and propeller, and consequent ice 
accumulation in these areas, which could adversely affect the 
controllability of the airplane.

[[Page 54893]]

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Incorporate 
tasks for performing a general visual inspection of the wiring and 
associated electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) 
components into the airplane maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: For Model DHC-8-100 series 
airplanes, the instructions provided in de Havilland Dash 8 
Maintenance Task Cards 531X1 and 631X1, ``General visual inspection 
of the wiring and associated electrical wiring interconnection 
system (EWIS) components,'' in Section 8, ``Electrical Wiring 
Interconnection System Inspection Program,'' of the Bombardier (de 
Havilland) Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Review Board Report of the 
Bombardier (de Havilland) Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Program 
Manual PSM 1-8-7, Revision 25, dated February 20, 2012, provides 
guidance for revising the maintenance program to include general 
visual inspections of the wiring and associated EWIS components. 
This service information is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    Note 2 to paragraph (g) of this AD: For Model DHC-8-200 series 
airplanes, the instructions provided in de Havilland Dash 8 
Maintenance Task Cards 531X1 and 631X1, ``General visual inspection 
of the wiring and associated electrical wiring interconnection 
system (EWIS) components,'' in Section 8, ``Electrical Wiring 
Interconnection System Inspection Program,'' of the Bombardier (de 
Havilland) Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Review Board Report of the 
Bombardier (de Havilland) Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Program 
Manual PSM 1-82-7, Revision 16, dated February 20, 2012, provides 
guidance for revising the maintenance program to include general 
visual inspections of the wiring and associated EWIS components. 
This service information is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD.
    Note 3 to paragraph (g) of this AD: For Model DHC-8-300 series 
airplanes, the instructions provided in de Havilland Dash 8 
Maintenance Task Cards 531X1 and 631X1, ``General visual inspection 
of the wiring and associated electrical wiring interconnection 
system (EWIS) components,'' in Section 8, ``Electrical Wiring 
Interconnection System Inspection Program,'' of the Bombardier (de 
Havilland) Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Review Board Report of the 
Bombardier (de Havilland) Dash 8 Series 300 Bombardier Maintenance 
Program Manual PSM 1-83-7, Revision 25, dated February 20, 2012, 
provides guidance for revising the maintenance program to include 
general visual inspections of the wiring and associated EWIS 
components. This service information is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(h) Initial Task Compliance Time

    The initial compliance time for the tasks incorporated into the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, is at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes with 45,000 total flight hours or more as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 1,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes with less than 45,000 total flight hours as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 6,000 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, but not to exceed 46,000 total flight 
hours.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revisions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used, unless the actions and intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) 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 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, 
ANE-170, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA; or TCCA; or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by the DAO, the approval 
must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-25, dated August 28, 
2012, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-0298.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference, 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.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 12, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21770 Filed 9-12-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P