99-25768. Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 6, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 54199-54200]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-25768]
    
    
    
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    Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 193 / Wednesday, October 6, 1999 / 
    Rules and Regulations
    
    [[Page 54199]]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 98-NM-321-AD; Amendment 39-11352; AD 99-21-09]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, 
    -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
    (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -
    201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 series airplanes, that currently 
    requires a one-time inspection to detect chafing of electrical wires in 
    the cable trough below the cabin floor; repair, if necessary; 
    installation of additional tie-mounts and tie-wraps; and application of 
    sealant to rivet heads. This amendment requires the accomplishment of 
    these same actions on additional airplanes. This amendment is prompted 
    by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a 
    foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD 
    are intended to prevent chafing of electrical wires, which could result 
    in an uncommanded shutdown of an engine during flight.
    
    DATES: Effective November 10, 1999.
        The incorporation by reference of Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 
    8-53-66, dated March 27, 1998, as listed in the regulations was 
    approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
    October 27, 1998 (63 FR 50501, September 22, 1998).
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
    obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 
    Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. This information 
    may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
    Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington; or at the FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate New York 
    Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley 
    Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
    Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Cuneo, Senior Aerospace 
    Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, Engine and 
    Propeller Directorate, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth 
    Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 
    256-7506; fax (516) 568-2716.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 98-20-14, 
    amendment 39-10781 (63 FR 50501, September 22, 1998), which is 
    applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -
    202, -301, -311, and -315 series airplanes, was published in the 
    Federal Register on August 12, 1999 (64 FR 43948). The action proposed 
    to supersede AD 98-20-14 to continue to require a one-time inspection 
    to detect chafing of electrical wires in the cable trough below the 
    cabin floor; repair, if necessary; installation of additional tie-
    mounts and tie-wraps; and application of sealant to rivet heads. That 
    action also proposed to expand the applicability of the existing AD to 
    include additional airplanes.
    
    Comments
    
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
    to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
    
    Conclusion
    
        The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
    require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        There are approximately 231 Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, 
    -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 series airplanes of U.S. registry that 
    will be affected by this AD.
        The actions specified in this AD are currently required by AD 98-
    20-14, which is applicable to 210 Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, 
    and -202 series airplanes. For these airplanes, it takes approximately 
    70 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an 
    average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts are provided by 
    the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, 
    the cost impact of the current requirements of AD 98-20-14 on U.S. 
    operators of these airplanes is estimated to be $882,000, or $4,200 per 
    airplane. The AD will add no new costs for these airplanes.
        The actions specified in this AD are currently required by AD 98-
    20-14, which is applicable to 15 Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315 series 
    airplanes. For these airplanes, it takes approximately 100 work hours 
    per airplane to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor 
    rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
    manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
    cost impact of the current requirements of AD 98-20-14 on U.S. 
    operators of these airplanes is estimated to be $90,000, or $6,000 per 
    airplane.
        The actions specified in this AD will be applicable to 6 additional 
    Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315 series airplanes of U.S. registry and 
    will take approximately 100 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at 
    an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be 
    provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operator. Based on these 
    figures, cost impact of the action required by this AD on U.S. 
    operators of these 6 additional airplanes is estimated to be $36,000, 
    or approximately $6,000 per airplane.
        The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
    that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
    AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
    future if this AD were not adopted.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
    government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
    
    [[Page 54200]]
    
    responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is 
    not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
    (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
    and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
    from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
    ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
    the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10781 (63 FR 
    50501, September 22, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), amendment 39-11352, to read as follows:
    
    99-21-09  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 
    39-11352. Docket 98-NM-321-AD. Supersedes AD 98-20-14, Amendment 39-
    10781.
    
        Applicability: Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -
    311, and -315 series airplanes; serial numbers 3 through 540 
    inclusive, excluding serial number 462; certificated in any 
    category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
    requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
    altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
    this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
    alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
    this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
    the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
    addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
    eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
    address it.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent chafing of electrical wires, which could result in an 
    uncommanded shutdown of an engine during flight, accomplish the 
    following:
    
    One-Time Inspection, Corrective Action, and Modification
    
        (a) Perform a one-time general visual inspection to detect 
    chafing of electrical wires in the cable trough below the cabin 
    floor; install additional tie-mounts and tie-wraps; and apply 
    sealant to rivet heads (reference Bombardier Modification 8/2705); 
    in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-53-66, dated 
    March 27, 1998, at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) 
    of this AD, as applicable. If any chafing is detected during the 
    inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, 
    repair in accordance with the service bulletin.
    
        Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
    is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or external 
    area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
    or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
    available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
    flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
    access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
    required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
    
        (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 3 through 519 inclusive, 
    excluding serial number 462: Inspect within 36 months after October 
    27, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-20-14, amendment 39-10781).
        (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 520 through 540 
    inclusive: Inspect within 36 months after the effective date of this 
    AD, or at the next ``C'' check, whichever occurs first.
    
    Alternative Methods of Compliance
    
        (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
    Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. Operators shall 
    submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
    Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
    Manager, New York ACO.
    
        Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the New York ACO.
    
    Special Flight Permits
    
        (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    
    Incorporation by Reference
    
        (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier 
    Service Bulletin
        S.B. 8-53-66, dated March 27, 1998. This incorporation by 
    reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
    Register as of October 27, 1998 (63 FR 50501, September 22, 1998). 
    Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional 
    Aircraft Division, Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, 
    Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
    Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
    FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate New York Aircraft 
    Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, 
    New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
    Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
        Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
    airworthiness directive CF-98-08R1, dated September 16, 1998.
    
        (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 10, 1999.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 28, 1999.
    D.L. Riggin,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 99-25768 Filed 10-5-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/10/1999
Published:
10/06/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
99-25768
Dates:
Effective November 10, 1999.
Pages:
54199-54200 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 98-NM-321-AD, Amendment 39-11352, AD 99-21-09
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-25768.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13