[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 55 (Monday, March 23, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15149-15151]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05033]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0752; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-079-AD; 
Amendment 39-18110; AD 2015-04-08]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-06-08 for 
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series 
airplanes. AD 2014-06-08 required repetitive functional checks of the 
nose and main landing gear, and corrective actions if necessary; and 
also provided optional terminating action modification for the 
repetitive functional checks. This new AD requires a terminating action 
modification. This AD was prompted by a report that the emergency 
downlock indication system (EDIS) had given a false landing gear down-
and-locked indication and a determination that a terminating action 
modification is necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a false down-and-locked 
landing gear indication, which, on landing, could result in possible 
collapse of the landing gear.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 27, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of publications listed in this AD as of April 14, 2014 (79 FR 
17390, March 28, 2014).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0752; 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 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 to supersede AD 2014-06-08, Amendment 39-17812 (79 FR 17390, 
March 28, 2014). AD 2014-06-08 applied to certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on October 17, 2014 (79 FR 62363).
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2014-11, dated February 13, 2014 (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:

    During an in-service event where the landing gear control panel 
indicated an unsafe nose landing gear, the flight crew observed that 
all three green lights were illuminated on the emergency downlock 
indication system. The nose landing gear was not down and locked, 
and collapsed during landing.

[[Page 15150]]

    Investigation found ambient light and wiring shorts can lead to 
incorrect illumination of the green lights on the emergency downlock 
indication system.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the functional check of the nose and 
main landing gear alternate indication phototransistors and the 
modification of the emergency downlock indication system 
[incorporation of Modsums 8Q101955, 8Q101968, and 8Q101969 as 
applicable].

    The unsafe condition is a false down-and-locked landing gear 
indication, which, on landing, could result in possible collapse of the 
landing gear. The modification consists of installing certain new 
electrical components and cable assemblies.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0752-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. An anonymous commenter 
supported the NPRM (79 FR 62363, October 17, 2014).

Change Made to This AD

    We have revised paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD to 
clarify the affected airplanes identified in those paragraphs. This 
change does not affect the intent of those paragraphs.

Clarification of Repair Approval Required by Paragraph (g) of AD 2014-
06-08, Amendment 39-17812 (79 FR 17390, March 28, 2014)

    In paragraph (g) of AD 2014-06-08, Amendment 39-17812 (79 FR 17390, 
March 28, 2014), the functional check and corrective actions are done 
in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-173, Revision A, 
dated December 17, 2012. That service information specifies to contact 
the manufacturer for further instructions if certain discrepancies are 
found. As noted in paragraph (j)(2) of AD 2014-06-08, ``For any 
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a 
manufacturer, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. . .'' and ``. 
. . corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they were 
approved by the State of Design Authority (or its delegated agent, or 
the DAH with a State of Design Authority's design organization 
approval, as applicable).''
    To clarify the repair approval for the action specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, we have added an exception to paragraph (g) 
of this AD, including specific delegation approval language. The 
exception clarifies that where the service information specifies to 
contact the manufacturer for further instructions, this AD requires 
repairing using a method approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, ANE-170, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA 
Design Approval Organization.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data 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 (79 FR 62363, October 17, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 62363, October 17, 2014).
    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 85 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2014-06-08, Amendment 39-17812 
(79 FR 17390, March 28, 2014), and retained in this AD take about 3 
work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. 
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were 
required by AD 2014-06-08 is $21,675, or $255 per product, per 
inspection cycle.
    We also estimate that it will take up to 40 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 up to $19,436 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be up to $1,941,060, or $22,836 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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-2014-0752; 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.

[[Page 15151]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2014-06-08, Amendment 39-17812 (79 FR 17390, March 28, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-04-08 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18110. Docket No. FAA-
2014-0752; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-079-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective April 27, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-06-08, Amendment 39-17812 (79 FR 17390, 
March 28, 2014).

(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 through 672 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that the emergency downlock 
indication system (EDIS) had given a false landing gear down-and-
locked indication and a determination that a terminating action 
modification is necessary to address the identified unsafe 
condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a false 
down-and-locked landing gear indication, which, on landing, could 
result in possible collapse of the landing gear.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Functional Check With Repair Approval Clarification

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2014-06-08, Amendment 39-17812 (79 FR 17390, March 28, 2014), with 
specific delegation approval language. Within 600 flight hours or 
100 days, whichever occurs first, after April 14, 2014 (the 
effective date of AD 2014-06-08): Perform a functional check of the 
alternate indication phototransistors of the nose and main landing 
gear; and do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-
173, Revision A, dated December 17, 2012; except where Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 8-32-173, Revision A, dated December 17, 2012, 
specifies to contact the manufacturer for further instructions, 
before further, flight, repair using a method approved by the 
Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-170, FAA; or 
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA 
Design Approval Organization (DAO). Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight. Repeat the functional check 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours or 100 days, 
whichever occurs first, until accomplishment of the applicable 
actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) New Requirement of This AD: Terminating Action

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do the applicable actions 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this AD. 
Accomplishment of the applicable actions specified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) through (h)(3) of this AD terminates the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes on which Bombardier ModSum 8/1519 is 
installed: Incorporate Modsum 8Q101968, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-56, 
Revision A, dated February 22, 2013.
    (2) For airplanes on which Bombardier Modsums 8/0235, 8/0461, 
and 8/0534 are installed: Incorporate Modsum 8Q101955, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
8-32-176, Revision A, dated February 22, 2013.
    (3) For airplanes on which Bombardier Modsum 8/0534 is not 
installed: Incorporate Modsum 8Q101969, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-177, 
dated October 9, 2013.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-
173, dated October 28, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference 
in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-
33-56, dated February 11, 2013, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-
32-176, dated February 11, 2013, which is not incorporated by 
reference in 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 Aircraft Certification Office, 
ANE-170, 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

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-11, dated February 13, 
2014, for related information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0752-0002.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 14, 2014 (79 FR 17390, March 28, 2014).
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-173, Revision A, dated 
December 17, 2012.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-176, Revision A, dated 
February 22, 2013.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-177, dated October 9, 
2013.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-56, Revision A, dated 
February 22, 2013.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 February 19, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-05033 Filed 3-20-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P