[Federal Register: July 12, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 133)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 39244-39247]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12jy06-24]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25328; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-130-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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[[Page 39245]]
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This proposed
AD would require inspecting for fouling and chafing damage of the
outboard brake control cable of the main landing gear, replacing the
control cable if necessary, reworking the control cable cover, and, if
applicable, manufacturing/installing an offset plate on the control
cable cover. This proposed AD is prompted by a review of brake control
cable operation conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD
to prevent abrasion and wear of the outboard brake control cable, which
could lead to cable separation and reduced control of airplane braking.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 11, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses 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.
Fax: (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.
Contact Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division,
123 Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada, for service
information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ezra Sasson, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7320; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
25328; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-130-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those 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 AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in 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.). 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.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. TCCA advises that
a review conducted by the manufacturer revealed that the outboard brake
control cable can become fouled on two fasteners on the pilot's
bulkhead cover assembly. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in abrasion and wear of the outboard brake control cable, which could
lead to cable separation and reduced control of airplane braking.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision `C,'
dated December 5, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for
inspecting for fouling and chafing damage of the main landing gear
outboard brake control cable, replacing the control cable if necessary,
reworking the control cable cover, and, if not already installed,
manufacturing/installing an offset plate on the control cable cover.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. TCCA mandated the
service information and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-
2006-05, dated March 31, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of
these airplanes in Canada.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models 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. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, TCCA has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. We have examined TCCA's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Clarification of
Inspection Terminology.''
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
The service bulletin specifies a ``visual inspection;'' however,
this proposed AD would require a ``general visual inspection.'' We have
included the definition of a general visual inspection in a note in the
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $80 per
work hour.
[[Page 39246]]
Estimated Costs
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Work Cost per Number of U.S.-
Action hours Parts airplane registered airplanes Fleet cost
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Inspect brake cable.............. 1 N/A $80 17................... $1,360.
Rework cable cover............... 3 N/A 240 17................... 4,080.
Manufacture/ install offset 3 200 440 Up to 17............. Up to $7,480.
plate, as applicable.
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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.
Regulatory Findings
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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); 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 FAA 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2006-
25328; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-130-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August
11, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series
airplanes, certificated in any category; having serial numbers 4003,
4004, 4006, 4008 through 4064 inclusive, 4072, and 4073.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a review of brake control cable
operation conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to
prevent abrasion and wear of the outboard brake control cable, which
could lead to cable separation and reduced control of airplane
braking.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection of Control Cable
(f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
perform a general visual inspection for fouling and chafing damage
of the outboard brake control cable of the main landing gear, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ``C,'' dated December 5, 2005.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Control Cable Cover Rework Only
(g) If no fouling or damage is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Within 24 months after the
accomplishment date of the inspection, rework the control cable
cover and, as applicable, manufacture/install the offset plate
assembly; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ``C,'' dated December
5, 2005.
Cable Replacement and Control Cable Cover Rework
(h) If any fouling or damage is found during the inspection
required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, replace
the control cable with a new control cable, rework the control cable
cover and, if not already installed, manufacture/install the offset
plate assembly; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ``C,'' dated
December 5, 2005.
Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision
``A,'' dated October 17, 2005; or Revision ``B,'' dated November 24,
2005; are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to
[[Page 39247]]
which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector
in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(k) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-05, dated March 31,
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 3, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-10912 Filed 7-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P