[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 176 (Monday, September 13, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55461-55462]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-22680]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0432; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-001-AD;
Amendment 39-16430; AD 2010-19-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-200 and
DHC-8-300 Series 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:
During a recent production fuel system test, it was found that
all three flapper valves located in each collector tank did not
conform to the design requirements, due to the fact that a valve
spring was installed on the flapper hinge pin. This valve spring
should have been removed prior to installation of the valves.
* * * * *
With the valve spring installed, the flapper valve is held
closed by the valve spring, preventing gravity feed. In the event of
scavenge system failure, the collector tank fuel level can no longer
be maintained, potentially leading to an in-flight engine shutdown.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 18, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 18,
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: Kent Fredrickson, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion and Services Branch, ANE-173, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7364; 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 April 26, 2010 (75
FR 21530). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During a recent production fuel system test, it was found that
all three flapper valves located in each collector tank did not
conform to the design requirements, due to the fact that a valve
spring was installed on the flapper hinge pin. This valve spring
should have been removed prior to installation of the valves.
It was subsequently determined that this condition is restricted
to the 21 aircraft listed in the Applicability section above.
With the valve spring installed, the flapper valve is held
closed by the valve spring, preventing gravity feed. In the event of
scavenge system failure, the collector tank fuel level can no longer
be maintained, potentially leading to an in-flight engine shutdown.
In order to ensure adequate fuel transfer to the collector tank
at all times, this directive mandates a one-time [detailed]
inspection of each of the six flapper valves, removal of the valve
spring, if installed, and application of an identification mark on
each inspected valve.
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 4 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 30 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $10,200, or $2,550 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,
[[Page 55462]]
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:
2010-19-02 Bombardier, Inc. Amendment 39-16430. Docket No. FAA-2010-
0432; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-001-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October
18, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-201, -202, -
301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any category, having
serial numbers 644 through 664 inclusive.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During a recent production fuel system test, it was found that
all three flapper valves located in each collector tank did not
conform to the design requirements, due to the fact that a valve
spring was installed on the flapper hinge pin. This valve spring
should have been removed prior to installation of the valves.
It was subsequently determined that this condition is restricted
to the 21 aircraft listed in the Applicability section above.
With the valve spring installed, the flapper valve is held
closed by the valve spring, preventing gravity feed. In the event of
scavenge system failure, the collector tank fuel level can no longer
be maintained, potentially leading to an in-flight engine shutdown.
In order to ensure adequate fuel transfer to the collector tank
at all times, this directive mandates a one-time [detailed]
inspection of each of the six flapper valves, removal of the valve
spring, if installed, and application of an identification mark on
each inspected valve.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Actions
(g) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, do a detailed inspection of each collector tank flapper valve
for the presence of a valve spring, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-28-54,
dated April 22, 2009. If the valve spring is not present, before
further flight, apply an identification mark, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-28-54,
dated April 22, 2009. If the valve spring is present, before further
flight, remove the valve spring and apply an identification mark, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 8-28-54, dated April 22, 2009.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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
(i) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2009-40,
dated November 9, 2009; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-28-54,
dated April 22, 2009; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-28-54, dated
April 22, 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 September 2, 2010.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-22680 Filed 9-10-10; 8:45 am]
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