[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30408-30411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10760]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0217; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01486-A; 
Amendment 39-22041; AD 2022-10-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by 
Bombardier, Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-
6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes. 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 identifies the unsafe 
condition as loose quadrants on the rudder pedal torque tube and signs 
of loose rivets or rivet joint wear due to inadequate manufacturing 
tolerances. This AD requires inspecting the rudder pedal torque tube 
quadrant for looseness and taking corrective action as necessary. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 23, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 23, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British 
Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.vikingair.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0217.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by

[[Page 30409]]

searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0217; 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 final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; phone: (516) 228-7300; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and 
DHC-6-400 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
February 7, 2022 (87 FR 6802). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated 
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. 
Transport Canada has issued AD CF-2020-45R1, dated April 16, 2021 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition on Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, 
DHC-6 series 110, DHC-6 series 200, DHC-6 series 210, DHC-6 series 300, 
DHC-6 series 310, DHC-6 series 320, and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes, 
serial numbers 001 through 987. The MCAI states:

    There have been in-service reports of loose quadrants on the 
rudder pedal torque tube and signs of loose rivets or rivet joint 
wear, such as dark areas or streaks around the rivet heads and 
quadrant to torque tube interface. Viking Air Ltd. has determined 
that inadequate manufacturing tolerances may result in this 
condition. This defect, if not detected and corrected, could result 
in the affected parts deteriorating until the rivets fail, leading 
to loss of control of the rudder and possible loss of control of the 
aeroplane.
    To detect and correct this condition, [Transport Canada] AD CF-
2020-45 mandated a one-time detailed inspection of the rudder pedal 
torque tube quadrant assembly, and rectification, as required, of 
the affected parts.
    Viking Air Ltd. had published Service Bulletin (SB) V6/0067, 
Revision NC, dated 16 July 2020, providing Accomplishment 
Instructions for the one-time detailed inspection for looseness of 
the affected parts. Since [Transport Canada] AD CF-2020-45 was 
issued, Viking Air Ltd. has introduced a new rudder pedal torque 
tube assembly in production that is not subject to the unsafe 
condition of this [Transport Canada] AD. As a result, Viking Air 
Ltd. has revised the SB V6/0067 at Revision A, dated 26 January 2021 
(referred to as ``the SB'' in this [Transport Canada] AD) to update 
the aeroplane serial number applicability.
    This [Transport Canada] AD revision, CF-2020-45R1, is issued to 
modify the aeroplane serial number applicability in accordance with 
the SB.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0217.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the rudder 
pedal torque tube quadrant for looseness and taking corrective action 
as necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received one comment from the Airline Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA). ALPA supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0067, 
Revision A, dated January 26, 2021. This service information specifies 
procedures for inspecting the rudder pedal torque tube quadrant for 
looseness and performing a detailed visual inspection of the rudder 
torque tube assembly for signs of loose rivets or rivet joint wear. 
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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/
0067, Revision NC, dated July 16, 2020. This service information 
specifies procedures for inspecting the rudder pedal torque tube 
quadrant for looseness and visually inspecting for signs of loose or 
smoking rivets.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI applies to Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 series 110, DHC-
6 series 210, DHC-6 series 310, and DHC-6 series 320 airplanes, and 
this AD would not because these models do not have an FAA type 
certificate. Transport Canada Models DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, 
DHC-6 series 200, DHC-6 series 300, and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes 
correspond to FAA Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and 
DHC-6-400 airplanes, respectively.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost          airplane        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................  1 work-hour x $85 per  Not Applicable.......             $85          $2,805
                                     hour = $85.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to replace the rudder pedal 
torque tube quadrant assembly based on the results of the inspection. 
The agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might 
need this replacement:

[[Page 30410]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost       airplane
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Rudder pedal torque tube quadrant assembly      10 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $9,256         $10,106
 replacement.                                    $850.
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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.
    The FAA is 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.

Regulatory Findings

    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 that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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 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:

    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:

2022-10-03 Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bombardier, Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 39-22041; Docket 
No. FAA-2021-0217; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01486-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 23, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (type certificate 
previously held by Bombardier, Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model 
DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes, 
serial numbers 001 through 987, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2700, Flight Control 
System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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 identifies the unsafe condition as loose quadrants 
on the rudder pedal torque tube and signs of loose rivets or rivet 
joint wear due to inadequate manufacturing tolerances. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect and correct loose rivets or rivet joint 
wear and signs of loose or smoking rivets. The unsafe condition, if 
not addressed, could result in the rudder pedal torque tube quadrant 
assembly deteriorating until the rivets fail, leading to loss of 
rudder control with consequent loss of airplane control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Action

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the 
rudder pedal torque tube quadrant assembly for looseness and, if 
there is any looseness of the rudder pedal torque tube quadrant 
assembly, a loose rivet, any rivet joint wear, or a smoking rivet, 
before further flight, repair or replace the rudder pedal torque 
tube or quadrant assembly. Do these actions by following the 
Accomplishment Instructions, steps A.1. through A.9., in Viking DHC-
6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin No. V6/0067, Revision A, dated January 
26, 2021, except for any requirement to obtain repair instructions 
from Viking Customer Support, the repair must be accomplished using 
a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; 
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.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of 
this AD using Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0067, 
Revision NC, dated July 16, 2020.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) 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 the attention of the 
address identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
    (2) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Deep Gaurav, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7300; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2020-45R1, dated April 16, 
2021, for related information. You may examine the Transport Canada 
AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0217.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.

[[Page 30411]]

(k) 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-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0067, Revision 
A, dated January 26, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia, 
Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.vikingair.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 30, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-10760 Filed 5-18-22; 8:45 am]
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