[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 27 (Friday, February 8, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2791-2793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-01524]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1070; Product Identifier 2018-NM-154-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.; Canadair Limited) 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 Viking Air Limited Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) and CL-
215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a 
report that a supplier fabricated Teflon parts with a charge of 15 
percent fiberglass content instead of the specified 5 percent 
fiberglass content. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed 
visual inspections of the aileron control system cables and flap 
interconnect system cables for damage or disconnected cables, 
corrective actions if necessary, and replacement of the Teflon parts in 
the aileron control systems, aileron/rudder interconnect, and aileron 
power unit beam. The replacement of these parts would terminate the 
repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 25, 2019.

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 Viking Air 
Limited, 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 5V5, 
Canada; telephone +1-250-656-7227; fax +1-250-656-0673; email [email protected]; internet http://www.vikingair.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-
1070; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, 
Mechanical Systems and Admin Services Section, FAA, New York ACO 
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 
516-228-7323; 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-1070; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-154-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 because 
of 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-2018-27, dated October 
12, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Viking Air Limited Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T 
Variant) and CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes. The MCAI states:

    It was found that a supplier fabricated TeflonTM 
parts with a charge of 15% fiberglass content in lieu of the 
required 5%. Parts manufactured with this higher percentage of 
fiberglass may cause wear and rupture of control cables due to 
greater friction if contacted [which could lead to reduced 
controllability of the airplane].
    This [Canadian] AD mandates a [detailed] visual inspection of 
the aileron control system cables and flap interconnect system 
cables in the area of the aileron power control unit. The inspection 
is required to ensure that there is no cable damage or disconnect 
until the replacement of the TeflonTM parts has been 
completed in the aileron control system, the aileron/rudder 
interconnect and the aileron power unit beam. This [Canadian] AD 
also requires replacement of the TeflonTM parts.

    Signs of damage include broken wires, unusual wear, or fraying 
cables. 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-2018-1070.

[[Page 2792]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 215-3185, Revision 1, dated 
January 28, 2014; and Service Bulletin 215-4476, Revision 1, dated 
January 28, 2014. The service information describes procedures for a 
detailed visual inspection in the area of the aileron power control 
unit for damaged or disconnected aileron control system cables or flap 
interconnect system cables, and corrective actions. These documents are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane models in different 
configurations.
    Bombardier has also issued Service Bulletin 215-3186, Revision 3, 
dated September 29, 2015; and Service Bulletin 215-4477, Revision 2, 
dated September 29, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for replacement of Teflon parts in the aileron control system, the 
aileron/rudder interconnect, and the aileron power unit beam. These 
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models in 
different configurations.
    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

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
66 work-hours x $85 per hour = $5,610........................         $16,456          $22,066          $22,066
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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):

Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, 
Inc.; Canadair Limited): Docket No. FAA-2018-1070; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-154-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 25, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate 
previously held by Bombardier, Inc.; Canadair Limited) airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and 
(c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes, serial 
numbers 1085, 1086, 1093, 1094, and 1098 through 1101 inclusive.
    (2) Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) airplanes, serial numbers 
2076 through 2090 inclusive.

[[Page 2793]]

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that a supplier fabricated 
Teflon parts with a charge of 15 percent fiberglass content instead 
of the specified 5 percent fiberglass content. We are issuing this 
AD to address parts manufactured with this higher percentage of 
fiberglass, which may cause deterioration of control cables and 
adjacent parts due to greater friction should they come into 
contact, which could lead to reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Accomplish a detailed visual inspection of the aileron control 
systems cables and flap interconnect system cables for disconnected 
or damaged cables in accordance with paragraph 2.A. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3185, 
Revision 1, dated January 28, 2014; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 
215-4476, Revision 1, dated January 28, 2014; as applicable. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight 
hours.

(h) Corrective Action

    If any disconnected or damaged (including broken wires, unusual 
wear, or fraying) cables are found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, obtain corrective 
actions approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or 
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Viking Air Limited's TCCA 
Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the 
approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. Accomplish the 
corrective actions within the compliance time specified therein. If 
no compliance time is specified in the corrective actions 
instructions, accomplish the corrective action before further 
flight.

(i) Replacement

    Within 29 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
the Teflon parts in the aileron control system, the aileron/rudder 
interconnect, and the aileron power unit beam in accordance with 
Parts A, B, and C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 215-3186, Revision 3, dated September 29, 2015; or 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-4477, Revision 2, dated September 
29, 2015.

(j) Terminating Action for Inspections

    Accomplishing the replacement required by paragraph (i) of this 
AD on an airplane constitutes terminating action for the inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD for that airplane.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using the service information specified in 
paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(5) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3186, dated September 30, 
2013.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3186, Revision 1, dated 
November 26, 2014.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3186, Revision 2, dated 
December 5, 2014.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-4477, dated September 30, 
2013.
    (5) Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-4477, Revision 1, dated 
November 26, 2014.

(l) No Reporting Requirement

    Although Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3185, Revision 1, dated 
January 28, 2014; Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3186, Revision 3, 
dated September 29, 2015; Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-4476, 
Revision 1, dated January 28, 2014; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 
215-4477, Revision 2, dated September 29, 2015; specify to submit 
certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include 
that requirement.

(m) 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 TCCA; or Viking Air Limited's TCCA DAO. If approved 
by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-27, dated October 12, 2018, 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-2018-1070.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto, 
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Admin Services Section, 
FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7323; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Viking Air Limited, 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia 
V8L 5V5, Canada; telephone +1-250-656-7227; fax +1-250-656-0673; 
email [email protected]; internet http://www.vikingair.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 January 10, 2019.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-01524 Filed 2-7-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P