[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1563-1565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00167]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 13, 2016 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 1563]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0703; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-004-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -
202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive inspections for discrepancies on certain AC generator 
mounting adapters, and replacing discrepant adapters with serviceable 
ones. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the maintenance 
program to incorporate a repetitive task specified in certain temporary 
revisions. The NPRM was prompted by a report of a pilot commanding an 
in-flight engine shut down in response to a low oil pressure warning 
indication. Further investigation revealed the mounting studs in the 
engine mounted alternating current (AC) generator mounting plate were 
pulled out of position and the threaded interface in the plate was 
corroded. This action revises the NPRM by expanding the applicability. 
We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to detect and correct 
corrosion in the AC generator mounting plate, which could result in a 
gap between the AC generator and the generator mounting plate, and 
cause loss of engine oil and consequent engine failure. Since these 
actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we 
are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to 
comment on these proposed changes.

DATES: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by February 29, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0703; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0703; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-004-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We issued an 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 series airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on August 28, 2013 (78 FR 53080). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of a pilot commanding an in-flight engine shut 
down in response to a low oil pressure warning indication. Further 
investigation revealed the mounting studs in the engine mounted 
alternating current (AC) generator mounting plate were pulled out of 
position and the threaded interface in the plate was corroded. The NPRM 
proposed to require repetitive inspections for discrepancies on certain 
AC generator mounting adapters, and replacing discrepant adapters with 
serviceable ones. The NPRM also proposed to require revising the 
maintenance program to incorporate a repetitive task specified in 
certain temporary revisions.

Actions Since Previous NPRM (78 FR 53080, August 28, 2013) Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM (78 FR 53080, August 28, 2013), we have 
received a report that additional airplanes are affected by the 
identified unsafe condition. Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), 
which is the

[[Page 1564]]

aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness 
Directive, CF-2012-29R1, dated April 28, 2015 (referred to after this 
as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An incident has been reported, on the DHC-8 aeroplane, where a 
pilot commanded in-flight engine shut down in response to an engine 
low oil pressure warning indication.
    Further investigation revealed the mounting studs in the engine 
mounted alternating current (AC) generator mounting plate were 
pulled out of position and the threaded interface in the plate 
corroded. This resulted in a gap between the AC generator and the 
generator mounting plate, leading to the loss of engine oil and the 
ensuing illumination of the associated engine low oil pressure 
warning indication.
    To ensure the integrity of the affected units, Part I of this 
[Canadian] AD mandates an inspection of the affected AC generator 
mounting adapters part numbers (P/N) 31708-500 or 31708-501, and, as 
applicable, replacement with new or serviceable mounting plates.
    Part II of this [Canadian] AD mandates the incorporation of a 
repeat Maintenance Review Board (MRB) inspection applicable to the 
replacement of the AC generator mounting adapters P/Ns 31708-510 or 
31708-511 only.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD is issued to include additional 
aeroplane serial numbers (003 through 018) to the Applicability 
section, and to clarify the compliance schedules in Part I B. and 
Part II below.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-07030002.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, Revision 
A, dated September 23, 2014. The service information describes 
repetitive inspections for discrepancies on certain AC generator 
mounting adapters, and replacing discrepant adapters with serviceable 
ones.
    Bombardier has also issued the following service information, which 
describes maintenance review board (MRB) task 2420/14 (functional check 
of the AC generator adapter kit):
     de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision MRB-153, 
dated July 10, 2012, to Part 1 Section 2--Systems, of the de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-8-7 MRB Report.
     de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Temporary Revision MRB 2-
31, dated July 10, 2012, to Part 1 Section 2--Systems of the de 
Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-82-7 MRB 
Report.
     de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision MRB 3-
162, dated July 10, 2012, to Part 1 Section 2--Systems of the de 
Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-83-7 MRB 
Report.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this proposed AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 53080, 
August 28, 2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM (78 FR 
53080, August 28, 2013). As a result, we have determined that it is 
necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional 
opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 88 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $4,000 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $396,880, or $4,510 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):


[[Page 1565]]


Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0703; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-004-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 29, 2016.

(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 through 672 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a pilot commanding an in-
flight engine shut down in response to a low oil pressure warning 
indication. Further investigation revealed the mounting studs in the 
engine mounted alternating current (AC) generator mounting plate 
were pulled out of position and the threaded interface in the plate 
corroded. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in 
the AC generator mounting plate, which could result in a gap between 
the AC generator and the generator mounting plate, and cause loss of 
engine oil and consequent engine failure.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of AC Generator Mounting Adaptor and Corrective Action

    Within 6,000 flight hours, or 36 months, or when the AC 
generator is removed for service, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection and a 
mechanical inspection for discrepancies (i.e., damage, corrosion, 
and failed mechanical inspection) on AC generator mounting adapters 
having P/N 31708-500 and P/N 31708-501, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, 
Revision A, dated September 23, 2014. If any discrepancy (i.e., 
damage, corrosion, or failed mechanical inspection) is found, before 
further flight, replace the AC generator mounting adapter with a 
serviceable mounting adapter having P/N 31708-510, P/N 31708-511, P/
N 31708-500, or 31708-501, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, Revision A, 
dated September 23, 2014.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    For in-service mounting adapters that have P/N 31708-500 or P/N 
31708-501: Repeat the general visual and mechanical inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 6,000 flight hours, or 36 months after the most recent 
inspection, or when the AC generator is removed for service, 
whichever occurs first.

(i) Replacement of Certain AC Generator Mounting Adaptors

    For airplanes having AC generator mounting adapters that have P/
N 31708-500 or 31708-501: Within the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, replace the AC generator 
mounting adapter with a new AC generator mounting adapter having P/N 
31708-510 or 31708-511.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 120 months on the AC generator 
mounting adapter.
    (2) Within 12 months, or 2,000 flight hours, or when the 
generator is removed from service, whichever occurs first after the 
effective date of this AD.

(j) Airplane Maintenance Program Revision

    For airplanes having AC generator mounting adapters that have P/
N 31708-510 or 31708-511: Within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD, revise the airplane maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, by incorporating maintenance review board (MRB) Task 
2420/14 in the applicable maintenance program manual specified in 
paragraph (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(3) of this AD. The initial 
compliance time for MRB Task 2420/14 is prior to the accumulation of 
10,000 total flight hours or within 60 months since installation of 
the part, whichever occurs first.
    (1) For Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes: de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision MRB-153, dated July 10, 2012, 
Part 1 Section 2--Systems, of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 
Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-8-7 MRB Report.
    (2) For Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes: de Havilland Dash 8 
Series 200 Temporary Revision MRB 2-31, dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 
Section 2--Systems of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance 
Program Manual PSM 1-82-7 MRB Report.
    (3) For Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315 airplanes: de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision MRB 3-162, dated July 10, 2012, 
Part 1 Section 2--Systems of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 
Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-83-7 MRB Report.

(k) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (j) of this AD, 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 (m)(1) of 
this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    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 8-24-88, dated 
December 13, 2011.

(m) 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: 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 Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval 
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must 
include the DAO-authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2012-29R1, dated April 28, 2015, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0703-0002.
    (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 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 31, 2015.
Phil Forde,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-00167 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P