[Federal Register: July 29, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 145)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 45293-45295]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jy04-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18606; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-17-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes that have been
modified by 524085 BC, Ltd. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Number
ST01243NY. This proposed AD would require you to replace the existing
Viking Air Ltd. elevator servo tab assembly with a redesigned Viking
Air Ltd. elevator servo tab assembly. This proposed AD is the result of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
airworthiness authority for Canada. There has been one failure of the
elevator servo tab assembly. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent
the structural failure of the elevator servo tab. This failure could
lead to loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by September
21, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
DOT Docket web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Bombardier Inc., Regional Aircraft, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3K 1Y5.
You may view the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Lawson, Aerospace Engineer, ANE-
171, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7327; facsimile: 516-794-
5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal.
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the
docket number, ``FAA-2004-18606; Directorate Identifier, 2004-CE-17-
AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket web site, anyone
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
This is docket number FAA-2004-18606. You may review the DOT's complete
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11,
2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD? Transport Canada, which
is the airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified FAA that
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter)
DHC-3 airplanes that incorporate 524085 BC, Ltd. STC Number ST01243NY.
Transport Canada reports one incident of structural failure of the
elevator servo tab balance assembly.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Vibration may
cause structural failure of the elevator servo
[[Page 45294]]
tab. This failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Viking
has issued Service Bulletin Number V3/01, dated March 6, 2002.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Removing the existing elevator servo tab assembly;
--Installing the new elevator servo tab assembly (PN V3TE1137-1);
and
--Balancing the elevator servo tab assembly.
What action did Transport Canada take? Transport Canada classified
this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian AD Number CF-
2002-48, dated November 21, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness
of these airplanes in Canada.
Did Transport Canada inform the United States under the bilateral
airworthiness agreement? These Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3
airplanes are manufactured in Canada and are type-certificated for
operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable
bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada has
kept us informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? We have examined Transport Canada's findings,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes of
the same type design that are registered in the United States, we are
proposing AD action to prevent structural failure of the elevator servo
tab. This failure could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service
bulletin.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On
July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation
now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 11 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to
accomplish this proposed modification:
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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7.5 workhours x $65 per hour = $488........... $2,630 (The operator may return $3,118 $34,298
the original parts to Viking
Air Ltd. for credit.).
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Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
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); 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket FAA-2004-18606; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-17-AD'' in
your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Bombardier Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2004-18606; Directorate Identifier
2004-CE-17-AD
When Os the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on This proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by September 21, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category: All Bombardier Inc.
Model (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes incorporating 524085 BC, Ltd.
Supplemental Type Certificate Number ST01243NY.
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of one incident of structural failure
of the elevator servo tab balance assembly. The actions specified in
this AD are intended to prevent the structural failure of the
elevator servo tab, which could lead to loss of control of the
airplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
[[Page 45295]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Replace the elevator Replace the elevator Follow Viking Air
servo tab assembly, servo tab assembly Ltd. Service
consisting of the following within 300 hours Bulletin V3/01,
Part Numbers (P/N), with time-in-service dated March 6,
the redesigned elevator (TIS) after the 2002.
servo tab assembly, P/N effective date of
V3TE1137-1: this AD.
(i) P/N C3TE13-12...........
(ii) P/N VALTOC1136-2.......
(iii) P/N NAS40-2A-LT.......
(2) Balance the servo tab After installation Follow Viking Air
assembly to achieve a nose of the redesigned Ltd. Service
heavy static moment within servo tab assembly, Bulletin V3/01,
the limits set by Viking balance prior to dated March 6,
Air Ltd. Service Bulletin further flight. 2002.
V3/01, dated March 6, 2002
(3) Do not install any of The part numbers Not applicable.
the following part numbers: should not be
(i) P/N C3TE13-12........... installed as of the
(ii) P/N VALTOC1136-2....... effective date of
(iii) P/N NAS40-2A-LT....... this AD.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact David Lawson, Aerospace
Engineer, ANE-171, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-
7327; facsimile: 516-794-5531.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD
from Bombardier Inc., Regional Aircraft, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3K 1Y5. You may view the AD docket at
the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington,
DC, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(h) Transport Canada Airworthiness Directive Number CF-2002-48,
dated November 21, 2002, and Viking Air Ltd. Service Bulletin Number
V3/01, dated March 6, 2002, also address the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 22, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17285 Filed 7-28-04; 8:45 am]
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