[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 49 (Monday, March 14, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13298-13300]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05607]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-4224; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-170-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by one in-service report of a cracked and corroded barrel
nut found at the mid-spar location of the horizontal stabilizer to
vertical stabilizer attachment joint. There have also been two other
reports of corroded barrel nuts found at mid-spar locations. This
proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections of each
barrel nut and cradle, a check of the bolt torque of any preload
indicating washer (PLI), and corrective action if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct cracked and corroded barrel
nuts. This condition could compromise the structural integrity of the
vertical stabilizer attachment joints, which could lead to loss of
control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 28, 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-2016-
4224; 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
Operations 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, N
Y 11590; telephone 516-228-7329; 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-2016-4224;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-170-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
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2015-13, dated June 25, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400
airplanes. The MCAI states:
There has been one in-service report of a cracked and corroded
barrel nut, part number (P/N) DSC228-12, found at the mid-spar
location of the horizontal stabilizer to vertical stabilizer
attachment joint. There have also been two other reports of corroded
barrel nuts found at mid-spar locations.
Preliminary investigation determined that the cracking is
initiated by corrosion. The corrosion may have been caused by
inadequate cadmium plating on the barrel nut. Failure of the barrel
nuts could compromise the structural integrity of the joint and
could lead to loss of control of the aeroplane.
This [Canadian] AD mandates initial and repetitive inspections
of the barrel nuts [and cradles for cracks and corrosion] at each
horizontal stabilizer to vertical stabilizer attachment joints.
Required actions include a bolt preload check of any PLI washers
and applicable corrective actions (retorque of the bolts and
replacement of the barrel nut), a detailed inspection of cracked or
broken barrel nuts for damaged bores of the fittings, replacement of
barrel nuts, and repair of damage and corrosion.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
4224.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bombardier, Inc. has issued Alert Service Bulletin A84-55-04,
Revision A, dated June 2, 2015. The service information describes
procedures for a detailed inspection of the barrel nuts and cradles for
cracks and corrosion, a bolt preload check of any PLI washers and
applicable corrective actions, a detailed inspection for corrosion and
damage of the bores of the fittings, replacement of the barrel nuts,
and repair of damage and corrosion.
Bombardier has issued Bombardier Repair Drawing (RD) 8/4-55-1143,
Issue 1, dated May 21, 2015. The service information describes
procedures for repairing corrosion and damage of the bore of the
fitting.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal
[[Page 13299]]
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 76 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 and 1 work-
hour per product for reporting. The average labor rate is $85 per work-
hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $45,220, or $595 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 4 work-hours, and require parts costing $8,881, for a cost
of $9,221 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this action.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC
20591, ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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):
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2016-4224; Directorate Identifier
2015-NM-170-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 28, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 airplanes,
certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001 and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stablizers.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by one in-service report of a cracked and
corroded barrel nut, part number DSC228-12, found at the mid-spar
location of the horizontal stabilizer to vertical stabilizer
attachment joint. There have also been two other reports of corroded
barrel nuts found at mid-spar locations. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracked and corroded barrel nuts. This condition
could compromise the structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer
attachment joints, which could lead to loss of control of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Detailed Inspection of Barrel Nuts for Cracks and Corrosion
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 5,400 flight hours or
more, or have been in service 32 months or more since the date of
issuance of the original certificate of airworthiness or the date of
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness as of
the effective date of this AD: Within 600 flight hours or 4 months,
whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed visual inspection for signs of cracks and corrosion of the
barrel nut and cradle, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-55-04,
Revision A, dated June 2, 2015.
(2) For airplanes that have less than 5,400 flight hours, and
have been in-service for less than 32 months since the date of
issuance of the original certificate of airworthiness or the date of
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness as of
the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 6,000
total flight hours or 36 months since the date of issuance of the
original certificate of airworthiness or the date of issuance of the
original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs
first, do a detailed visual inspection of the barrel nut for signs
of cracks and corrosion of the barrel nut and cradle, in
[[Page 13300]]
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert
Service Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June 2, 2015.
(h) Corrective Actions, Detailed Inspection, and Repetitive Inspections
Depending on the findings of any inspection required by
paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD, do the applicable actions in
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD.
(1) If any barrel nut or cradle is found cracked or broken,
before further flight, replace the barrel nut and associated
hardware, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June
2, 2015.
(i) Concurrently with the replacement of any barrel nut, do a
detailed inspection for corrosion and damage of the bore of the
fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June
2, 2015, and, before further flight, repair all corrosion and
damage, in accordance with Bombardier Repair Drawing (RD) RD 8/4-55-
1143, Issue 1, dated May 21, 2015. If the bore of the fitting cannot
be repaired in accordance with Bombardier RD 8/4-55-1143, Issue 1,
dated May 21, 2015, repair before further flight using a method
approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA; or Transport
Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO).
(ii) Within 600 flight hours or 4 months, whichever occurs
first, after the replacement of a cracked barrel nut, replace the
remaining barrel nuts and their associated hardware at the
horizontal stabilizer to vertical stabilizer attachment joints, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert
Service Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June 2, 2015.
(2) If any corrosion is found on any barrel nut on the front or
rear-spar joints, before further flight, replace the barrel nut
using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA;
or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO.
(3) If any corrosion above level 1, as defined in Bombardier
Alert Service Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June 2, 2015, is
found on a barrel nut at the mid-spar joint, before further flight,
replace the barrel nut using a method approved by the Manager, New
York ACO, ANE-170, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO.
(4) If all corrosion found is at level 1 or below, as defined in
Bombardier Service Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June 2,
2015, on a barrel nut at the mid-spar joint, repeat the inspection
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 600
flight hours or 4 months, whichever occurs first, until completion
of the actions required by paragraph (k) of this AD.
(i) Preload Indicating (PLI) Washers Check
For airplanes with PLI washers installed at the front and rear
spar joints, before further flight after accomplishing any
inspection required by (g) of this AD and all applicable corrective
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, check the bolt
preload, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service
Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June 2, 2015. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(j) Repetitive Inspection Interval
Repeat the inspection and preload check required by paragraphs
(g) and (i) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 3,600 flight hours
or 18 months, whichever occurs first, except as provided by
paragraph (k) of this AD.
(k) Optional Barrel Nut Replacement
Inspection and replacement of all barrel nuts at the horizontal
stabilizer to vertical stabilizer attachment joints, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service
Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June 2, 2015, extends the next
inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD to within 6,000
flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, after
accomplishing the replacement.
(l) Reporting Requirements
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2)
of this AD, submit a report of the findings (both positive and
negative) of each inspection required by this AD to Technical Help
Desk--Qseries, telephone: 416-375-4000, fax: 416-375-4539, email:
[email protected], using the inspection form in
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-55-04, Revision A, dated June
2, 2015.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(m) 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 Alert Service Bulletin A84-55-04,
dated May 21, 2015, which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD.
(n) 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, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved
by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-13, dated June 25,
2015, 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-2016-4224.
(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 March 3, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-05607 Filed 3-11-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P