[Federal Register: November 13, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 218)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 63827-63829]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13no07-14]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
[[Page 63827]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0183; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-146-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from 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:
There has been a reported case of failure of a bracket (P/N
85217732-108) of the over-centering spring assembly inside the
translating door of the forward baggage compartment. * * * Failure
of the bracket caused the eyebolt at the bottom of the spring
assembly to become loose, resulted in damage of the support beam
during normal door handle movement. Damage of the support beam,
which is dormant, in combination with failure of a doorstop attached
to any remaining undamaged support beam will degrade the structural
integrity of the door, resulting in possible depressurization or
loss of the door.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 13,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pong K. Lee, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7324; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0183;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-146-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2007-05, effective April 24, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:
There has been a reported case of failure of a bracket (P/N
85217732-108) of the over-centering spring assembly inside the
translating door of the forward baggage compartment. This condition
can exist on other translating doors on the aircraft. Investigation
concluded that an insufficient gap between the bottom eyebolt and
the barrel of the spring assembly caused an increase of tension load
on the bracket and resulted in subsequent failure of the bracket.
Failure of the bracket caused the eyebolt at the bottom of the
spring assembly to become loose, resulted in damage of the support
beam during normal door handle movement. Damage of the support beam,
which is dormant, in combination with failure of a doorstop attached
to any remaining undamaged support beam will degrade the structural
integrity of the door, resulting in possible depressurization or
loss of the door.
Corrective actions include a one-time inspection for damage of the
spring support bracket and support beam of the forward baggage door,
aft service door, and aft passenger door; repetitive inspections for
integrity (corrosion, damage, cracking, and looseness or misalignment)
of the doorstops of support beams found to be within damage limits;
repair of support beams, or replacement of damaged brackets, support
beams, or doorstops, as applicable; and removal of certain washers and
nuts. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the
AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-52-51, Revision A, dated
September 8, 2006, including Service Bulletin 8-MHI0084, Revision C,
dated September 6, 2006; and Repair Drawing RD 8/4-52-202, Issue 1,
dated December 2, 2005. The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in
the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
[[Page 63828]]
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 pertinent
information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 29 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs.
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $11,600, or $400 per product.
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 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); 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.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2007-
0183; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-146-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by December 13, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401,
and DHC-8-402 airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial
numbers 4001 and 4003 through 4102.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52: Doors.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
There has been a reported case of failure of a bracket (P/N
85217732-108) of the over-centering spring assembly inside the
translating door of the forward baggage compartment. This condition
can exist on other translating doors on the aircraft. Investigation
concluded that an insufficient gap between the bottom eyebolt and
the barrel of the spring assembly caused an increase of tension load
on the bracket and resulted in subsequent failure of the bracket.
Failure of the bracket caused the eyebolt at the bottom of the
spring assembly to become loose, resulted in damage of the support
beam during normal door handle movement. Damage of the support beam,
which is dormant, in combination with failure of a doorstop attached
to any remaining undamaged support beam will degrade the structural
integrity of the door, resulting in possible depressurization or
loss of the door.
Corrective actions include a one-time inspection for damage of the
spring support bracket and support beam of the forward baggage door,
aft service door, and aft passenger door; repetitive inspections for
integrity (corrosion, damage, cracking, and looseness or
misalignment) of the doorstops of support beams found to be within
damage limits; repair of support beams, or replacement of damaged
brackets, support beams, or doorstops, as applicable; and removal of
certain washers and nuts.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, perform a one-time inspection for damage of the spring support
bracket and support beams of the forward baggage door, aft service
door, and aft passenger door, as applicable, in accordance with
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-51, Revision A, dated September 8,
2006. Replace any damaged bracket, support beam, or doorstop in
accordance with the service bulletin, prior to further flight.
(i) If any support beam is damaged at only one spring location
and the damage is within the limits defined in Bombardier Repair
Drawing RD 8/4-52-202, Issue 1, dated December 2, 2005, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(i)(A) and (f)(1)(i)(B) of
this AD.
(A) Inspect each doorstop of the affected door for integrity in
accordance with the service bulletin prior to further flight, and
repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400
flight hours, until the support beam is repaired as specified in
paragraph (f)(1)(i)(B) of this AD or replaced in accordance with the
service bulletin. If the
[[Page 63829]]
doorstop does not meet integrity standards during any inspection
required by this paragraph, before further flight, repair or replace
the doorstop with a new or serviceable doorstop in accordance with
the repair drawing.
(B) Within 5,000 flight hours after accomplishing the inspection
described in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, repair the support beam in
accordance with the repair drawing or replace in accordance with the
service bulletin. Doing the repair or replacement terminates the
inspections required by paragraph (f)(1)(i)(A) of this AD.
(ii) If any support beam is damaged at one or two spring
locations and any damage exceeds the limits defined in Bombardier
Repair Drawing RD 8/4-52-202, Issue 1, dated December 2, 2005, prior
to further flight, replace the damaged support beam with a new
support beam in accordance with the service bulletin.
(iii) If any support beam is damaged at two spring locations and
the damage is within the limits defined in Bombardier Repair Drawing
RD 8/4-52-202, Issue 1, dated December 2, 2005, prior to further
flight, repair the support beam in accordance with the repair
drawing.
(2) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, remove the nuts and washers at the bottom of the over-centering
spring assemblies of the forward baggage door, aft service door, and
aft passenger door by incorporating Modsum 4-155296, in accordance
with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-51, Revision A, dated
September 8, 2006.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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: Pong K. Lee, Aerospace
Engineer, New York ACO, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7324; fax (516) 794-
5531. 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) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-05,
effective April 24, 2007; Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-51,
Revision A, dated September 8, 2006, including Service Bulletin 8-
MHI0084, Revision C, dated September 6, 2006; and Bombardier Repair
Drawing RD 8/4-52-202, Issue 1, dated December 2, 2005, for related
information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-22103 Filed 11-9-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P