[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 206 (Wednesday, October 24, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53567-53569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23106]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0189; Product Identifier 2017-CE-022-AD; Amendment 
39-19460; AD 2018-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Viking 
Air Limited Model DHC-3 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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 pitting corrosion on the shank of the wing strut attach 
bolts. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 28, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 28, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0189; or in person at Docket Operations, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    For service information identified in 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 view 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. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2018-0189.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 
11590; telephone: (516) 287-7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Viking Air Limited Model 
DHC-3 airplanes. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
March 13, 2018 (83 FR 10809). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products and was based on MCAI originated 
by an aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:

    Pitting corrosion has been found on the shank of the following 
part number wing strut attach bolts: C3W114-3, C3W129-3 and C3W128-
3. These bolts are manufactured using a standard AN12 bolt. 
Metallurgical evaluation concluded that pitting corrosion was 
present on the affected AN12 bolts prior to forming of the bolt head 
and threads. The pitting and un-plated voids could cause a surface 
condition that may have a detrimental effect on fatigue and 
corrosion resistance, leading to bolt failure and consequent failure 
of the wing.
    Viking has not been able to confirm the affected batch numbers 
or specific manufacture date range. New wing strut bolts 
manufactured after 21 March 2016 are inspected for pitting during 
manufacturing and issued new P/Ns C3W114-5, C3W129-5 and C3W128-5 
under MOD 3/1010.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2018-0189-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Issue SAIB Instead of an AD

    Christopher Campbell requested that we withdraw the AD and issue a 
special airworthiness information bulletin (SAIB) instead. The 
commenter stated this AD is unnecessary and redundant since the 
manufacturer has already addressed this issue with a mandatory service 
bulletin and all affected bolts should now be removed. The commenter 
stated the affected bolts are 3/4-inch diameter bolts and only the 
surface cadmium plating is compromised, not the strength of the bolt. 
The commenter also disagreed with the manufacturer that the compromised 
cadmium plating would cause accelerated corrosion because the bolts are 
treated with anti-corrosion grease on installation. The commenter 
further stated an AD is unnecessary because the defect would be obvious 
to any installing mechanic. Lastly, the commenter stated that the 
proposed AD does little to further enhance safety but adds unwelcome 
recordkeeping and cost for owners.
    We do not agree. We concur with Transport Canada's finding of an 
unsafe condition, as explained in Transport Canada AD No. CF-2017-11, 
dated March 23, 2017. An SAIB would not be an appropriate solution. An 
SAIB contains information and recommended actions that are voluntary 
and not regulatory. Moreover, an SAIB is issued only for airworthiness 
concerns that do not rise to the level of an unsafe condition. 
Similarly, while an operator may incorporate the procedures described 
in a manufacturer's service bulletin into its maintenance program, not 
all operators are required to do so. For the corrective actions in a 
service bulletin to become mandatory and to correct the unsafe 
condition, the FAA must issue an AD. Based on the manufacturer's 
metallurgical evaluation, the pitting corrosion was present on the 
affected AN 12 bolts prior to forming of the bolt head and thread. 
Corrosion pitting was found on airplanes when doing the inspections per 
Transport Canada's AD CF-2017-11. Specifically, the pitting was 
discovered on the bolt shanks of both wing strut fitting to wing spar 
lug bolts. Relying on an assumption that the corrosion will be obvious 
at the time of bolts installation, as suggested by the commenter, is 
not a reliable method to correct an unsafe condition. We have not 
changed this AD based on this comment.

[[Page 53568]]

Changes Made to This AD

     We updated the service information in paragraphs (f)(1), 
(2), and (3) of this AD to Viking Air Limited DHC-3 Otter Service 
Bulletin Number V3/0006, Revision C, dated May 16, 2018, which adds 
alternate part numbers for Post Mod 3/1010 wing strut bolts.
     We changed paragraph (f)(2) of this AD to add alternate 
wing strut bolt part numbers C3W114-9, C3W128-9, and C3W129-9 as 
replacement bolts.
     We updated paragraph (g) Credit for Actions Accomplished 
in Accordance with Previous Service Information of this AD to add 
Viking DHC-3 Otter SB Number: V3/0006, Revision B, dated March 9, 2017.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. 
We have determined that these changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Viking Air Limited DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin Number 
V3/0006, Revision C, dated May 16, 2018. The service information 
describes procedures for inspection and any necessary corrective action 
for pitting of the wing strut shank bolts. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 37 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $12,580, or $340 per product.
    In addition, table 1 is an estimate of possible necessary follow-on 
actions as a result of the required inspections. We have no way of 
determining the number of products that may need these actions. 
Replacing each affected bolt is on condition and is estimated to take 
about 1 work-hour at $85 for a cost of $85 per bolt. We estimate that 
any necessary follow-on replacement parts would cost as follows:

                                 Table 1--Parts Replacement and Total Bolt Cost
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                                                                                                  Total cost per
                    Part No.                       Quantity per    Quantity per   Price per bolt    bolt (labor
                                                       wing          airplane         ($ USD)       and parts)
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C3W114-5........................................               2               4            $284            $369
C3W128-5........................................               1               2             275             360
C3W129-5........................................               1               2             164             249
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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 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, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
    (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.

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-
0189; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (telephone (800) 
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 53569]]


     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):

2018-21-02 Viking Air Limited: Amendment 39-19460; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0189; Product Identifier 2017-CE-022-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 28, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (Viking) Model DHC-3 
airplanes with wing strut bolts part numbers (P/N) C3W114-3, C3W129-
3, and C3W128-3 (Pre MOD 3/1010), 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 pitting 
corrosion on the shank of the wing strut attach bolts. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct pitting and un-plated voids, 
which could cause a surface condition that may have a detrimental 
effect on fatigue and corrosion resistance, leading to bolt failure 
and subsequent failure of the wing.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 12 months after November 28, 2018 (the effective date 
of this AD), inspect the wing strut attach bolts installed on the 
airplane for pitting on the shank by following paragraph A of the 
Accomplishment Instructions in Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin 
Number: V3/0006, Revision C, dated May 16, 2018 (Viking SB V3/0006, 
Revision C).
    (2) If pitting is found during the inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the 
defective bolt with either a post MOD 3/1010 wing strut bolt (P/Ns 
C3W114-5, C3W128-5, and C3W129-5; or C3W114-9, C3W128-9, and C3W129-
9) or a new or serviceable pre MOD 3/1010 wing strut bolt that has 
been inspected by following paragraph A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Viking SB V3/0006, Revision C.
    (3) After November 28, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), you 
may continue to use pre MOD 3/1010 bolts provided these bolts are 
inspected for pitting immediately before installation by following 
paragraph A of the Accomplishment Instructions in Viking SB V3/0006, 
Revision C, and you document the inspection in the airplane 
maintenance records.

(g) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraph 
(f)(1) or (2) of this AD if done before November 28, 2018 (the 
effective date of this AD) by following Viking Service Bulletin DHC-
3 Otter V3/0006 Revision NC, A, or B.

(h) 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) 287-7329; 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 
instead 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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD Number CF-2017-11, dated March 
9, 2017, for related information. The MCAI can be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2018-0189-0002.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin (SB) Number: V3/0006, 
Revision C, dated May 16, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Viking Air Limited service information identified in 
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.
    (4) You may view this 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0189.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 11, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-23106 Filed 10-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P