[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 225 (Tuesday, November 23, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71369-71371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-29448]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1157; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-137-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103,
-106, -201, -202, -301, -311, -315, -401, and -402 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 have been several in-service reports of finding trapped
water on the bottom of the cockpit windshield frames (or lower
windshield frames) that resulted in either corrosion or water
ingress into the cockpit. In one occurrence, the trapped water
caused severe corrosion of numerous anchor nuts that secure the
windshield to the lower windshield frame, such that the intended
fastening function was seriously compromised.
Corrosion of the lower windshield frames, including the anchor
nuts that secure the windshield to the aircraft structure, can
result in a serious structural degradation possibly leading to the
loss of the windshield during flight. Also, water could leak into
the cockpit and cause either a malfunction or failure of the
electrical and electronics systems in the area of the cockpit
instrument panels.
* * * * *
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 January 7, 2011.
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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-
4539; e-mail [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced 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.
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: Craig Yates, 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) 228-7355; 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-2010-1157;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-137-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.
[[Page 71370]]
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2010-16, dated May 18, 2010 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''),
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
There have been several in-service reports of finding trapped
water on the bottom of the cockpit windshield frames (or lower
windshield frames) that resulted in either corrosion or water
ingress into the cockpit. In one occurrence, the trapped water
caused severe corrosion of numerous anchor nuts that secure the
windshield to the lower windshield frame, such that the intended
fastening function was seriously compromised.
Corrosion of the lower windshield frames, including the anchor
nuts that secure the windshield to the aircraft structure, can
result in a serious structural degradation possibly leading to the
loss of the windshield during flight. Also, water could leak into
the cockpit and cause either a malfunction or failure of the
electrical and electronics systems in the area of the cockpit
instrument panels.
The lower windshield frames do not have drain provisions to
prevent moisture or water run-off from the condensation of the
windshields from being trapped. The consequences of trapped water in
the lower windshield frames can result in unsafe conditions, as
noted above. This Directive mandates the installation of a drain
system for the lower windshield frames.
For Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes, the installation also
includes a related investigative action, and corrective actions if
necessary. The related investigative action is an inspection for
corrosion of the anchor nuts and window frame. Corrective actions
include replacing any corroded anchor nut with a new or serviceable
anchor nut, or contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions and
doing the repair. You may obtain further information by examining the
MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletins 84-53-43, dated April 27,
2010 (for Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 4001,
4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4274 inclusive); and 8-53-78,
Revision C, dated April 29, 2010 (for Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -
201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, serial numbers 003 through
566 inclusive). 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 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 191 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 20 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $1,660 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 $641,760, or $3,360 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, Incorporation by
reference, 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.: Docket No. FAA-2010-1157; Directorate Identifier
2010-NM-137-AD.
[[Page 71371]]
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by January 7, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc. airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -
315, serial numbers 003 through 566 inclusive.
(2) Model DHC-8-401, and -402 airplanes, serial numbers 4001,
4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4274 inclusive.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 56: Windows.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
There have been several in-service reports of finding trapped
water on the bottom of the cockpit windshield frames (or lower
windshield frames) that resulted in either corrosion or water
ingress into the cockpit. In one occurrence, the trapped water
caused severe corrosion of numerous anchor nuts that secure the
windshield to the lower windshield frame, such that the intended
fastening function was seriously compromised. Corrosion of the lower
windshield frames, including the anchor nuts that secure the
windshield to the aircraft structure, can result in a serious
structural degradation possibly leading to the loss of the
windshield during flight. Also, water could leak into the cockpit
and cause either a malfunction or failure of the electrical and
electronics systems in the area of the cockpit instrument panels.
* * * * *
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 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, install a drain system in
the cockpit windshield lower frames, and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance With the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78,
Revision C, dated April 29, 2010 (for Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -
201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes); or 84-53-43, dated April
27, 2010 (for Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes); except where the
service bulletins state to contact the manufacturer, contact the New
York Aircraft Certification Office or Transport Canada Civil
Aviation (TCCA) or its delegated agent. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
(h) For Models DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311,
and -315 airplanes: Modification of the drain system is also
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of
this AD, if done before the effective date of this AD, in accordance
with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, dated December 23, 1999;
Revision A, dated June 7, 2001; or Revision B, dated May 2, 2002.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(i) 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: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.,
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
Related Information
(j) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-16,
dated May 18, 2010; Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-53-78, Revision C,
dated April 29, 2010; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-43,
dated April 27, 2010; for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 15, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-29448 Filed 11-22-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P