[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 173 (Friday, September 8, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42489-42492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18900]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0867; Product Identifier 2017-CE-021-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III 
airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracking 
found in the wing rear spar web at the wing station where the flap 
outboard hinge is attached. We are issuing this proposed AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 23, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, 
British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North America) (800) 
663-8444; fax: (250) 656-0673; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may 
review this referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas

[[Page 42490]]

City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

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-2017-
0867; 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 
11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: 
[email protected].

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-2017-0867; 
Product Identifier 2017-CE-021-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 because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://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

    The Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, 
has issued AD Number CF-2017-17, dated May 18, 2017 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Viking 
Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III 
airplanes and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information originated by an aviation authority of another country. The 
MCAI states:

    It was reported that a crack was found in the wing rear spar 
web, part number C2W1007, at wing station 123.5 where the flap 
outboard hinge is attached. An aileron hinge bracket has also been 
found cracked. Viking Air Ltd. analysis shows that similar cracks 
may develop on the wing rear spar web and flap/aileron hinge arm 
support brackets at the other flap/aileron hinge attachment 
locations.
    Undetected cracking of the wing rear spar or flap/aileron hinge 
bracket may lead to the failure of the component with consequent 
loss of aeroplane control.

    The MCAI requires inspecting the left-hand and right-hand wing rear 
spar and the flap/aileron hinge air support brackets for cracks, 
damage, or discrepancy and repairing or replacing any cracked, damaged, 
or discrepant parts. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0867.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Viking Air Limited has issued DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: 
V2/0009, Revision A, dated February 10, 2017. The service information 
describes procedures for inspecting the left-hand and right-hand wing 
rear spars, the flap/aileron hinge brackets, and the exterior store 
support bracket for cracks, damage, and discrepancies and specifies 
repairing or replacing any cracked, damaged, or discrepant parts. 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 of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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 this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. The inspection report 
required by this proposed AD allows us to obtain better information 
into the nature, cause, and extent of the damage to the wing rear spars 
and flap/aileron hinge arm support brackets and to develop final action 
to address the unsafe condition. Once final action has been identified, 
we may consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 140 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 11work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic inspection requirements of this 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the basic cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $130,900, or $935 per product.
    In addition, the following is an estimate of possible necessary 
follow-on replacement actions. We have no way of determining the number 
of products that may need these actions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Left-hand (LH) or
            Part No.               right-hand (RH)       Description        Number per  airplane            Parts cost         Number of  work-hours  to
                                        wing                                                                                            replace
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C2W123A........................  Both (one per       Hinge bracket LH    2........................  $288 for both............  12 for both.
                                  wing).              inboard (flap)/
                                                      RH outboard
                                                      (aileron).
C2W124A........................  Both (one per       Hinge bracket RH    2........................  $288 for both............  12 for both.
                                  wing).              inboard (flap)/
                                                      LH outboard
                                                      (aileron).
C2W143.........................  Both (four per      Hinge bracket,      8........................  $271 for all eight.......  12 for all eight.
                                  wing).              flap and aileron
                                                      (common part--
                                                      multiple wing
                                                      stations (WS)).
C2W143A (Agricultural Option)..  Both (one per       Agricultural        2 (if applies)...........  $271 for both............  12 for both.
                                  wing).              (optional
                                                      configuration)--h
                                                      inge bracket,
                                                      support arm (IPC
                                                      PSM 1-2-4 Figure
                                                      128, Item 15).
C2W63..........................  LH................  Inboard spar, rear  .........................  $277.....................  60.
                                                      spar.
C2W64..........................  RH................  Inboard spar, rear  .........................  $277.....................  60.
                                                      spar.

[[Page 42491]]

 
C2W155.........................  Both (one per       Intermediate spar.  2........................  $563 for both............  60 for both.
                                  wing).
C2W65A.........................  LH................  Spar WS 89.16 to    1 *......................  $835.....................  60.
                                                      WS 170.16.
C2W66A.........................  RH................  Spar WS 89.16 to    1 *......................  $835.....................  60.
                                                      WS 170.16.
C2W67A.........................  LH................  Outboard spar, WS   1 *......................  $835.....................  60.
                                                      170.16 to WS
                                                      245.75.
C2W68A.........................  RH................  Outboard spar, WS   1 *......................  $835.....................  60.
                                                      170.16 to WS
                                                      245.75.
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* To replace any wing spar section takes 60 work-hours.

    To replace all four wing spar sections per wing takes 240 work-
hours.

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 AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this 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 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-2000.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes and domestic 
business jet transport airplanes to the Director of the Policy and 
Innovation Division.

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 AD:

Viking Air Limited: Docket No. FAA-2017-0867; Product Identifier 
2017-CE-021-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 23, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 
Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracking found 
in the wing rear spar web at the wing station (WS) where the flap 
outboard hinge is attached. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracks in the wing rear spars and the flap/aileron hinge arm 
support brackets, which could cause these parts to fail. Failure of 
the wing rear spars and the flap/aileron hinge arm support brackets 
could result in loss of control.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(5) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 400 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, visually inspect the left-hand and right-
hand wing rear spar and flap/aileron hinge arm support brackets 
following the Accomplishment Instructions of Viking DHC-2 Beaver 
Service Bulletin Number: V2/0009, Revision A, dated February 10, 
2017 (SB V2/0009, Revision A).

[[Page 42492]]

    (2) For airplanes with agricultural configuration installed (SOO 
Mod 2/984), within the next 400 hours TIS after the effective date 
of this AD, inspect the exterior store support arm bracket at wing 
station (WS) 101.24 following the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 
V2/0009, Revision A.
    (3) If any discrepancies are found during the inspections 
required in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD, before further 
flight, repair or replace using a method approved by the Manager, 
New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Viking Air 
Limited's Transport Canada Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.
    (4) Within 30 days after completing the inspections required in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this AD, using the Operator Reply Form 
on page 7 of SB V2/0009, Revision A, report the inspection results 
to Viking Air Limited at the address specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD.
    (5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a wing 
on any airplane affected by this AD unless it has been inspected as 
specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD, as applicable, and is found free of any discrepancies.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 
11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: 
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane 
to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), 
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (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 
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Viking Air Limited's Transport 
Canada Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, 
the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, 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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD Number CF-2017-17, dated May 
18, 2017, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2017-0867. For service information related to this 
AD, contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland 
Way, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North 
America) (800) 663-8444; fax: (250) 656-0673; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may review this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 29, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18900 Filed 9-7-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P