[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 91058-91060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29671]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9438; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-109-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 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of interruptions in the airstair 
door operation. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections 
and modification of the handrail hardware. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 30, 
2017.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, 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-
9438; 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: Cesar A. Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7318; 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-2016-9438; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-109-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-
2015-02, dated January 27, 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, -401, and -402 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A number of airstair door operation interruptions have been 
reported. In one case, the airstair door could not be opened. It was 
found that the airstair door handrail holder bracket was deformed 
and became lodged into the adjacent wardrobe bulkhead, which 
prevented the door from opening.
    On airstair doors with Jetway Compatible option, a deformed 
handrail holder bracket or a failure of the pin retainer bracket can 
interfere with the operation of the airstair door and prevent it 
from opening.
    The airstair door is classified as an emergency exit. The 
inability to open an emergency exit could impede evacuation in the 
event of an emergency.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the repetitive inspection of 
airstair door handrail hardware, and the modification of the 
handrail stowage hardware.

    Required actions include applicable corrective actions (replacing 
or removing brackets, installing lanyards, adjusting pins, and 
adjusting affected parts of the assembly). 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-2016-9438.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision C, dated 
February 2, 2016. This service information describes procedures for a 
general visual inspection to detect deformities and cracks of the 
forward and aft handle holder brackets on the airstair handrail; a 
detailed visual inspection of the forward and aft pin retainer brackets 
for the condition of the lanyards and the pins; a check for 
unobstructed movement of the pin retainer brackets; and rework of the 
airstair door handrail to prevent damage to the bulkhead and to prevent 
the door from jamming once the handrails are stowed. 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.

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

[[Page 91059]]

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 82 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive Inspections.........  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0  $85 per inspection  $6,970 per
                                  hour = $85 per                           cycle.              inspection cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
Modification...................  3 work-hours x $85 per            1,556  $1,811............  $148,502.
                                  hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2016-9438; Directorate Identifier 
2016-NM-109-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 30, 2017.

(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 
through 4473 inclusive, equipped with Jetway Compatible Passenger 
Airstair Door Modsum 4-422100 or Modsum 4-458687.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of interruptions in the airstair 
door operation, including one case where the door would not open. 
The airstair door is classified as an emergency exit. We are issuing 
this AD to ensure the ability to evacuate passengers through the 
airstair door in the event of an emergency.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections of the Forward and Aft Handle Holder 
Brackets and Forward and Aft Pin Retainer Brackets, Repetitive Checks, 
and Corrective Actions

    Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a general visual inspection of the forward and aft handle 
holder brackets for damage, such as visible cracks and deformation; 
a detailed visual inspection of the forward and aft pin retainer 
brackets to make sure that both lanyards are installed and to make 
sure that the head of each pin is installed correctly; a check of 
the pin retainer brackets for unobstructed movement; an operational 
check of the forward passenger door; and all applicable corrective 
actions; in accordance with PART A1 and PART A2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, 
Revision C, dated February 2, 2016, except as required by paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections and checks 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours until the 
terminating action required by paragraph (h) of this AD is 
accomplished.
    (1) If one or both lanyards are missing, before further flight, 
install lanyards as specified in, and in accordance with PART A1 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
52-79, Revision C, dated February 2, 2016.
    (2) If a pin is not installed correctly, as specified in PART A1 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
84-52-79, Revision C, dated February 2, 2016, before further flight, 
adjust the affected pin until it is installed correctly as specified 
in, and in accordance with PART A1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision C, dated 
February 2, 2016.
    (3) If a pin retainer bracket does not rotate freely, before 
further flight, adjust affected parts of the assembly until the pin 
retainer bracket rotates freely as specified in, and in accordance 
with PART A1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision C, dated February 2, 2016.

(h) Terminating Action

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date

[[Page 91060]]

of this AD: Incorporate ModSum 4-903234 to modify installed Jetway 
Compatible Handrail Stowage Bracket, in accordance with PART A3 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
52-79, Revision C, dated February 2, 2016. Incorporating ModSum 4-
903234 terminates the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) 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 the service information identified in 
paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, dated May 1, 2014.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision A, dated 
November 18, 2014.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-79, Revision B, dated 
April 8, 2015.

(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: 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 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2015-02, dated January 
27, 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-2016-9438.
    (2) For service information identified in this NPRM, 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 2, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-29671 Filed 12-15-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P