[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 120 (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35622-35624]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-14984]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0273; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-134-AD;
Amendment 39-16335; AD 2010-13-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
Two in-service incidents have been reported on DHC-8 Series 400
aircraft in which the nose landing gear (NLG) trailing arm pivot pin
retention bolt (part number NAS6204-13D) was damaged. One incident
involved the left hand NLG tire which ruptured on take-off.
Investigation determined that the retention bolt failure was due to
repeated contact of the castellated nut with the towing device
including both the towbar and the towbarless rigs. The loss of the
retention bolt allowed the pivot pin to migrate from its normal
position and resulted in contact with and rupture of the tire. The
loss of the pivot pin could compromise retention of the trailing arm
and could result in a loss of directional control due to loss of
nose wheel steering. The loss of an NLG tire or the loss of
directional control could adversely affect the aircraft during take
off or landing.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 28, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 28,
2010.
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: Richard Beckwith, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7302; 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 March 23, 2010 (75
FR 13682). That NPRM proposed to correct
[[Page 35623]]
an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Two in-service incidents have been reported on DHC-8 Series 400
aircraft in which the nose landing gear (NLG) trailing arm pivot pin
retention bolt (part number NAS6204-13D) was damaged. One incident
involved the left hand NLG tire which ruptured on take-off.
Investigation determined that the retention bolt failure was due to
repeated contact of the castellated nut with the towing device
including both the towbar and the towbarless rigs. The loss of the
retention bolt allowed the pivot pin to migrate from its normal
position and resulted in contact with and rupture of the tire. The
loss of the pivot pin could compromise retention of the trailing arm
and could result in a loss of directional control due to loss of
nose wheel steering. The loss of an NLG tire or the loss of
directional control could adversely affect the aircraft during take
off or landing.
To prevent the potential failure of the pivot pin retention
bolt, Bombardier Aerospace has developed a modification which
includes a new retention bolt, a reverse orientation of the
retention bolt and a rework of the weight on wheel (WOW) proximity
sensor cover to provide clearance for the re-oriented retention
bolt.
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 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 63 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $100 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $22,365, or $355 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:
2010-13-04 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-16335. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0273; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-134-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 28,
2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-
401, and DHC-8-402 series airplanes, certificated in any category;
serial numbers 4001, 4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4238
inclusive.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Two in-service incidents have been reported on DHC-8 Series 400
aircraft in which the nose landing gear (NLG) trailing arm pivot pin
retention bolt (part number NAS6204-13D) was damaged. One incident
involved the left hand NLG tire which ruptured on take-off.
Investigation determined that the retention bolt failure was due to
repeated contact of the castellated nut with the towing device
including both the towbar and the towbarless rigs. The loss of the
retention bolt allowed the pivot pin to migrate from its normal
position and resulted in contact with and rupture of the tire. The
loss of the pivot pin could compromise retention of the trailing arm
and could result in a loss of directional control due to loss of
nose wheel steering. The loss of an NLG tire or the loss of
directional control could adversely affect the aircraft during take
off or landing.
[[Page 35624]]
To prevent the potential failure of the pivot pin retention
bolt, Bombardier Aerospace has developed a modification which
includes a new retention bolt, a reverse orientation of the
retention bolt and a rework of the weight on wheel (WOW) proximity
sensor cover to provide clearance for the re-oriented retention
bolt.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 2,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD: Modify the NLG trailing arm by incorporating Bombardier
Modification Summary 4-113599, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-65, Revision A,
dated March 2, 2009.
(2) Incorporating Bombardier Modification Summary 4-113599 in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84-32-65, dated December 17, 2008, is also
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(1)
of this AD if done before the effective date 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, ANE-170, 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: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300;
fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector
(PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or
lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District
Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this
AD.
(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 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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-2009-29,
dated June 29, 2009; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-65,
Revision A, dated March 2, 2009; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-65, Revision
A, dated March 2, 2009, 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
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.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.
(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 June 10, 2010.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-14984 Filed 6-22-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P