[Federal Register: March 16, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 49)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 11011-11013]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16mr09-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1330; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-138-AD;
Amendment 39-15839; AD 2009-06-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This 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:
Transport Canada has received numerous service difficulty
reports concerning Viking DHC-7 and Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft
fluorescent lamp holder damage due to overheating. It has been
determined that lamp holder overheating is a result of arcing
between the fluorescent tube pins and the lamp holder contacts when
the tube is not properly seated during installation. Overheating of
lamp holders, if not corrected, could generate fumes and smoke * *
*.
* * * * *
The unsafe condition could result in an in-flight fire. We are
issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 20, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 20,
2009.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chan, 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) 228-7311; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2008
(73 FR 78673). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
Transport Canada has received numerous service difficulty
reports concerning Viking DHC-7 and Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft
fluorescent lamp holder damage due to overheating. It has been
determined that lamp holder overheating is a result of arcing
between the fluorescent tube pins and the lamp holder contacts when
the tube is not properly seated during installation. Overheating of
lamp holders, if not corrected, could generate fumes and smoke,
causing concern to passengers and crew.
This directive mandates repetitive inspection[s] for proper
installation [and functioning] of fluorescent tubes and prohibits
installation of non-arc-protected replacement fluorescent lamp
ballasts.
The unsafe condition could result in an in-flight fire. The
corrective actions include replacing any lamps that are not properly
seated in the lamp holder, and replacing any broken, non-functioning
lamp holders. Replacing all affected fluorescent lamp ballasts would
terminate the repetitive inspections. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
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
[[Page 11012]]
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 required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 21 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,680, or $80 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 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 this 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 the NPRM, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 AD:
2009-06-03 Viking Air Limited (Formerly Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment
39-15839. Docket No. FAA-2008-1330; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-
138-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April
20, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7-1, DHC-7-
100, DHC-7-101, DHC-7-102, and DHC-7-103 airplanes, certificated in
any category; serial numbers 1 through 113 inclusive, with
Modifications 7/2444 and 7/2445 incorporated.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 33: Lights.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
``Transport Canada has received numerous service difficulty
reports concerning Viking DHC-7 and Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft
fluorescent lamp holder damage due to overheating. It has been
determined that lamp holder overheating is a result of arcing
between the fluorescent tube pins and the lamp holder contacts when
the tube is not properly seated during installation. Overheating of
lamp holders, if not corrected, could generate fumes and smoke,
causing concern to passengers and crew.
This directive mandates repetitive inspection[s] for proper
installation [and functioning] of fluorescent tubes and prohibits
installation of non-arc-protected replacement fluorescent lamp
ballasts.''
The unsafe condition could result in an in-flight fire. The
corrective actions include replacing any lamps that are not properly
seated in the lamp holder, and replacing any broken, non-functioning
lamp holders. Replacing all affected fluorescent lamp ballasts would
terminate the repetitive inspections.
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 visual inspection to ensure proper installation and
functioning of the fluorescent tubes in the lamp holders, and
perform all applicable corrective actions before further flight, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Viking Service
Bulletin V7-33-01, dated February 28, 2008. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight hours.
(2) Replacing all fluorescent lamp ballasts having part number
(P/N) BAO8006-1 and BA[O]8006-28-1 with new fluorescent lamp
ballasts having P/N BR9000-21, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Viking Service Bulletin V7-33-01, dated February 28,
2008, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: 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: Wing Chan, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York
ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7311; 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-
[[Page 11013]]
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-2008-27,
dated July 4, 2008; and Viking Service Bulletin V7-33-01, dated
February 28, 2008; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Viking Service Bulletin V7-33-01, dated
February 28, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the
AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Viking Air Limited, 9574 Hampden Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L
8V5, Canada; telephone 250-656-7227; fax 250-656-0673; e-mail
technical.publications@vikingair.com; Internet http://
www.vikingair.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 27, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-4970 Filed 3-13-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P