[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 130 (Friday, July 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31496-31499]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14415]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0586; Product Identifier 2017-NM-151-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-8-300 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating that a certain emergency 
exit door could not be opened during maintenance. This proposed AD 
would require a detailed inspection of the ball bearings of an 
emergency exit, replacement of bearings if necessary, application of 
corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC), and revision of 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 August 20, 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

[[Page 31497]]

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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.

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-
0586; 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 NPRM, 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: Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Aviation 
Safety Section, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; 
email: [email protected].

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-2018-0586; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-151-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2017-30, dated August 30, 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-8-300 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An operator has reported the inability to open the Forward Right 
Hand Type I emergency exit door with either the internal or external 
handle during maintenance. Investigation has determined that the 
handle was found to be jammed due to corroded center and lower shaft 
ball bearings. Condensation has been found to be the root cause of 
the Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door hardware 
corrosion. Other Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door ball 
bearings are also susceptible to corrosion. Inability to open the 
Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door during an emergency 
evacuation may impede aircraft egress.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the inspection for corrosion and 
replacement, as required, of all Forward Right Hand Type I emergency 
exit door ball bearings, and the application of corrosion inhibiting 
compound (CIC), to ensure that the Forward Right Hand Type I 
emergency exit door can be opened when required.

    Required actions also include an inspection of the emergency exit 
door ball bearings for seal damage and loss of lubricant and revision 
of 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-
0586.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service information:
     Service Bulletin 8-52-65, dated July 26, 2017, which 
describes procedures for a detailed inspection of the forward right-
hand type 1 emergency exit door ball bearings for corrosion, seal 
damage, and loss of lubricant; applying CIC; and replacing emergency 
exit door ball bearings if necessary.
     Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Task 5220/12 (``Servicing 
of Forward RH Emergency Exit Mechanisms''), dated March 15, 2017, of 
the DHC-8-300 Series Maintenance Program Support Manual (PSM) 1-83-7, 
which describes procedures for servicing the forward right-hand 
emergency exit door mechanisms.
     Temporary Revision (TR) 54-042, dated April 10, 2018, to 
the DHC-8-300 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), which describes 
procedures for servicing the type 1 emergency exit door mechanisms.
    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.
    This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with 
these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have 
been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed 
by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the 
actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 
14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative 
method of compliance according to paragraph (j)(1) of this proposed AD. 
The request should include a description of changes to the required 
actions that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected 
structure.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI requires the incorporation of MRB Task 5220/12 
(``Servicing of Forward RH Emergency Exit Mechanisms'') into the 
maintenance program. That task refers to the AMM for certain 
procedures, which have been updated. We understand that the MCAI does 
not require the updated AMM procedures because, unlike U.S. operators, 
Canadian operators are already required to use the most current AMM 
procedures. Therefore, this proposed AD would also require the 
incorporation of Bombardier TR 54-042, dated April 10, 2018, which 
includes the updated AMM procedures.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 16 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 31498]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255...........................              $0             $255           $4,080
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    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. 
Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of any required 
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these on-condition actions:

                                     Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                                  Labor cost                                       Parts cost        product
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6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510............................................            $586           $1,096
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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 proposed 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0586; Product Identifier 2017-
NM-151-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 20, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-301, -311, and 
-315 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 100 
through 672 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that the forward 
right-hand type I emergency exit door could not be opened during 
maintenance. An investigation determined that the exit door handle 
was jammed due to corroded center and lower shaft ball bearings. We 
are issuing this AD to address corrosion of the emergency exit door 
ball bearings, which could result in the inability to open the 
emergency exit door during an emergency evacuation and consequently 
impede airplane egress.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Maintenance Review Board Task 5220/12 (``Servicing of Forward RH 
Emergency Exit Mechanisms''), dated March 15, 2017, of the DHC-8-300 
Series Maintenance Program Support Manual (PSM) 1-83-7; and 
Temporary Revision 54-042, dated April 10, 2018, to the DHC-8-300 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). The initial compliance time for 
doing the task is

[[Page 31499]]

at the time specified in Maintenance Review Board Task 5220/12 
(``Servicing of Forward RH Emergency Exit Mechanisms'') of the DHC-
8-300 Series Maintenance PSM 1-83-7, or within 60 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(h) Inspection and Replacement

    Within 5,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of all 
ball bearings of the forward right-hand type I emergency exit for 
corrosion, seal damage, and loss of lubricant; replace bearings as 
applicable; and apply corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC); in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 8-52-65, dated July 26, 2017. Do all applicable 
replacements before further flight.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions and 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of 
this AD.

(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 certification 
office, 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.'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-2017-30, dated August 30, 
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-2018-0586.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Aviation Safety Section, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, 
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone: 781-238-7757; 
fax: 781-238-7199; email: [email protected].
    (3) For information about AMOCs, contact Cesar Gomez, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO 
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone: 516-228-7318; fax: 516-794-5531.
    (4) 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, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 26, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14415 Filed 7-5-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P