[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34800-34802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15659]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0635; Product Identifier 2017-NM-183-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-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; 
Model DHC-8-200 series airplanes; and Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that a certain modification 
to the auto relight system is incompatible with a certain beta lockout 
system modification and could result in de-activation of the auto 
ignition feature of the No. 2 engine. This proposed AD would require an 
inspection of the auto ignition system and applicable rectification. We 
are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 6, 
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 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-
0635; 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: Anthony Flores, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion and Program Management Section, Chicago ACO Branch, Room 
107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone 847-294-
7140; fax 847-294-7834.

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-2018-0635; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-183-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 AD CF-2017-21R1, dated June 
28, 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-8-102, -103, and -106 
airplanes; Model DHC-8-200 series airplanes; and Model DHC-8-300 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During the incorporation of the Auto Relight modification per 
Bombardier SB [Service Bulletin] 8-74-02 on an aeroplane with a Beta 
Lockout System (BLS) installed, it was noticed that if SB 8-74-02 is 
incorporated in conjunction with, or after the incorporation of BLS 
SB 8-76-35 ([Canadian] AD CF-2013-15) or SB 8-76-24 (FAA AD 2000-02-
13 [Amendment 39-11531 (65 FR 4095, January 26, 2000)]), the #2 
engine auto ignition function of the beta lockout system will not be 
available when the beta lockout system is activated. This condition, 
if not corrected, may result in a #2 engine uncommanded in-flight 
shut down.
    To preclude any future occurrence of the noted deficiency, 
Bombardier has issued SB 8-74-02 Revision B to highlight its 
incompatibility with post SB 8-76-35 or 8-76-24 BLS compliant 
aeroplanes. In addition, Bombardier issued a new SB, 8-74-06 for 
Auto Relight System modification that can be incorporated in 
conjunction with or

[[Page 34801]]

on those aeroplanes that were previously modified per SB 8-76-35 or 
8-76-24.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, Bombardier has 
also issued SB 8-74-07 to inspect and rectify the system wiring on 
affected aeroplanes.
    The original version of this [Canadian] AD was issued to mandate 
compliance with the SB 8-74-07 requirements.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD is issued to clarify the 
Applicability section and correct a typographic error in the SB 
number referenced in the Corrective Action section of the original 
[Canadian] AD.

    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-
0635.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued Service Bulletin 8-74-07, dated April 
13, 2016. The service information describes an inspection to determine 
correct operation of the auto ignition system for airplanes on which a 
beta lockout system was installed, and rectification to re-activate a 
previously disabled auto ignition system that will address inadvertent 
de-activation of the auto ignition feature. 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 185 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                      Labor cost              Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection......................  1 work-hour x $85 per    None.................             $85         $15,725
                                   hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need this action:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rectification..............................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255.              $6            $261
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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:


[[Page 34802]]


    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-2018-0635; Product Identifier 2017-
NM-183-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 6, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-102, -103, -
106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers 003 through 540 inclusive, on which 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-74-02, dated March 3, 2000; or 
Revision A, dated January 27, 2014; has been accomplished 
concurrently with or after accomplishment of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 8-76-35 or 8-76-24.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 74, Ignition; 
76, Engine Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that a certain modification to 
the auto relight system is incompatible with a certain beta lockout 
system modification and could result in de-activation of the auto 
ignition feature of the No. 2 engine. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent unintentional de-activation of the auto ignition feature of 
the No. 2 engine when the beta lockout system is activated, which 
could result in an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the No. 2 
engine.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action

    Within 6000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, inspect and, as applicable, 
rectify the auto ignition system in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-74-07, 
dated April 13, 2016.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for rectification required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier In-Service Modification 
IS8Q7400001, Revision C, dated November 27, 2015.

(i) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2017-21R1, dated June 28, 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-2018-0635.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Flores, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Program Management Section, 
Chicago ACO Branch, Room 107, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, 
IL 60018; telephone 847-294-7140; fax 847-294-7834.
    (3) For information about AMOCs, contact Joe Catanzaro, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-
228-7366; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].
    (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 July 13, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-15659 Filed 7-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P