[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5746-5748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02198]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0072; Product Identifier 2017-NM-082-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-05-
28, for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 
2014-05-28 requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable. Since we issued AD 2014-05-28, we have determined that the 
interval from maintenance review board (MRB) task number 323100-202 
should not be escalated, and that Certification Maintenance 
Requirements (CMR) task number 323100-102 should be applicable to all 
Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes, regardless of which main landing gear 
(MLG) up-lock assembly is installed. This proposed AD would require 
revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. We are 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 26, 2018.

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 Standards Branch, 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-2018-
0072; 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: Erin Hulverson, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 
telephone: 781-238-7655.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0072; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-082-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 AD 2014-05-28, Amendment 39-17800 (79 FR 18611, April 3, 
2014) (``AD 2014-05-28''), for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-
400 series airplanes.
    AD 2014-05-28 resulted from reports of excessive wear on the lower 
latch surface of the MLG up-lock hook. AD 2014-05-28 requires revising 
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. We issued AD 
2014-05-28 to detect and correct up-lock hooks worn beyond the wear 
limit, which could prevent the successful extension of the MLG using 
the primary landing gear extension system, which in combination with an 
alternate extension system failure could result in the inability to 
extend the MLG.
    Since we issued AD 2014-05-28, we have determined that the interval 
from MRB task number 323100-202 should not be escalated, and that MRB 
task number 323100-202 should be applicable to all Model DHC-8-400 
series airplanes, regardless of which MLG up-lock assembly is 
installed.
    This revised applicability has resulted in CMR task number 323100-
102 also being made applicable to all Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes, 
regardless of MLG up-lock assembly part number installation.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2017-15, dated May 29, 
2017 (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 series airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    [Canadian] AD CF-2012-21 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2014-05-
28] was issued to mandate the incorporation of Maintenance Review 
Board (MRB) task number 323100-202. As in-service experience has 
shown that the interval for MRB task number 323100-202 should not be 
escalated, Bombardier has introduced one-star CMR task number 
323100-102 to prevent task escalation. Bombardier has also revised 
the applicability of MRB task number 323100-202 to be applicable to 
the entire DHC-8-400/-401/-402 fleet, regardless of which main 
landing gear (MLG) up-lock assembly part number is installed. This 
revised applicability has resulted in CMR task number 323100-102 
also being made applicable to the entire DHC-8-400/-401/-402 fleet, 
regardless of MLG up-lock assembly part number installation.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the incorporation of CMR task number 
323100-102 [into the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable].

    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-2018-
0072.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued Q400 Dash 8 Temporary Revision ALI-
0168, dated October 31, 2016, to Section 1-32, Landing Gear Maintenance 
Program, of

[[Page 5747]]

Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Report Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-84-7. 
The service information describes CMR task number 323100-102, 
``Functional Check of the Main Landing Gear Uplock Assembly Latch.'' 
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 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 69 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $5,865, or $85 per 
product.

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 transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2014-05-28, Amendment 39-17800 (79 FR 18611, April 3, 2014), and adding 
the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0072; Product Identifier 2017-
NM-082-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 26, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-05-28, Amendment 39-17800 (79 FR 18611, 
April 3, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400, -401, and 
-402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001, 
4003 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of excessive wear on the lower 
latch surface of the main landing gear (MLG) up-lock hook. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct up-lock hooks worn beyond the 
wear limit, which could prevent the successful extension of the MLG 
using the primary landing gear extension system, which in 
combination with an alternate extension system failure could result 
in the inability to extend the MLG.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information specified in Certification Maintenance Requirements 
(CMR) task number 323100-102 of Q400 Dash 8 (Bombardier) Temporary 
Revision (TR) ALI-0168, dated October 31, 2016 (``Bombardier TR ALI-
0168''), to Section 1-32, Landing Gear Maintenance Program, of 
Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Report Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-84-
7. The applicable maintenance or inspection program revision 
required by this paragraph may be done by inserting a copy of 
Bombardier TR ALI-0168, to Section 1-32, Landing Gear Maintenance 
Program, of MRB Report Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance 
Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7. When this temporary revision has 
been included in general revisions of the PSM, the general revisions 
may be inserted in the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, provided the relevant information in the general 
revision is identical to that in Bombardier TR ALI-0168.

(h) Initial Functional Check Compliance Times

    For MLG up-lock assembly latches that have accumulated flight 
cycles which exceed the CMR task number 323100-102 interval 
specified in Bombardier TR ALI-0168: Perform the initial CMR task 
number 323100-102 functional check as specified in Bombardier TR 
ALI-0168, to Section 1-32, Landing Gear Maintenance Program, of MRB 
Report Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Requirements 
Manual, PSM 1-84-7, using the applicable compliance time

[[Page 5748]]

specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For MLG up-lock assembly latches that have 14,200 total 
flight cycles or more as of the effective date of this AD: The 
compliance time for doing the initial functional check is within 800 
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For MLG up-lock assembly latches that have 11,600 total 
flight cycles or more, but fewer than 14,200 total flight cycles, as 
of the effective date of this AD: The compliance time for doing the 
initial functional check is within 1,600 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD, but not to exceed 15,000 total flight 
cycles on the up-lock assembly latch.
    (3) For MLG up-lock assembly latches with fewer than 11,600 
total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: The 
compliance time for doing the initial functional check is within 
3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, but not to 
exceed 13,200 total flight cycles on the up-lock assembly latch.

(i) Method of Compliance for Initial Functional Check

    Accomplishing MRB task number 323100-202 of Bombardier TR MRB-
66, dated December 7, 2011, to Section 1-32, Landing Gear 
Maintenance Program, of MRB Report Part 1, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7, within 3,000 flight 
cycles before the effective date of this AD, is a method of 
compliance for the initial functional check required by CMR task 
number 323100-102 as specified in Bombardier TR ALI-0168, to Section 
1-32, Landing Gear Maintenance Program, of MRB Report Part 2, 
Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7.

(j) 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. 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 manager of the ACO, send it 
to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New 
York ACO Branch, 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.
    (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 Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc., 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 AD CF-2017-15, dated May 29, 2017, 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-2018-0072.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Erin Hulverson, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone: 781-238-7655.
    (3) 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 Standards Branch, 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 January 25, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02198 Filed 2-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P