99-24148. Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-100 and -300 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 183 (Wednesday, September 22, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 51199-51200]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-24148]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 97-NM-58-AD; Amendment 39-11321; AD 99-19-34]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-100 and -300 
    Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
    applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-100 and -300 series 
    airplanes, that requires modification of certain hydraulic systems that 
    provide hydraulic pressure for the control of the rudder and for the 
    main landing gear brakes. 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 damage to certain hydraulic system components in the number 
    2 engine nacelle, which could result in loss of the number 1 and number 
    2 hydraulic systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
    airplane.
    
    DATES: Effective October 27, 1999.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of October 27, 1999.
    
    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:
    Anthony Gallo, 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) 256-7510; fax (516) 568-2716.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
    directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-100 
    and -300 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 
    7, 1999 (64 FR 36624). That action proposed to require modification of 
    certain hydraulic systems that provide hydraulic pressure for the 
    control of the rudder and for the main landing gear brakes.
    
    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
    
        The FAA estimates that 148 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
    affected by this AD.
        For airplanes identified in Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-32-
    128, Revision `C,' it will take between 15 and 40 works hours per 
    airplane to accomplish the required modification, 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 modification required by this AD on U.S. operators 
    is estimated to be between $133,200 and $355,200, or between $900 and 
    $2,400 per airplane.
        For airplanes identified in Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-29-
    23, it will take approximately 346 work hours per airplane to 
    accomplish the required relocation, 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 
    modification required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
    $3,072,480, or $20,760 per airplane.
        For airplanes identified in Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-29-
    29, it will take approximately 120 work hours per airplane to 
    accomplish the required installation, 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 installation required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to 
    be $1,065,600, or $7,200 per airplane.
    
    [[Page 51200]]
    
        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 
    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 adding the following new 
    airworthiness directive:
    
    99-19-34  Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 
    39-11321. Docket 97-NM-58-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model DHC-8-100 and -300 series airplanes having 
    serial numbers 003 through 405; except those airplanes on which 
    Bombardier Modifications 8/1152 and 8/1982 have been installed, and 
    on which either Bombardier Modification 8/1983 or 8/2781 has been 
    installed; certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    otherwise 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 (c) 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 damage to certain hydraulic system components in the 
    number 2 engine nacelle, which could result in loss of the number 1 
    and number 2 hydraulic systems, and consequent reduced 
    controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
        (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
    certain hydraulic systems that provide hydraulic pressure for the 
    control of the rudder and for the main landing gear brakes by 
    accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as 
    applicable, in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-
    32-128, Revision `C,' dated March 27, 1998.
        (1) For all airplanes on which Bombardier Modification 8/1152 
    has been installed: Accomplish Part A of the Accomplishment 
    Instructions of the service bulletin.
        (2) For all airplanes on which Bombardier Modification 8/1152 
    has not been installed: Accomplish Part B of the Accomplishment 
    Instructions of the service bulletin.
        (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
    accomplish the actions specific in either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) 
    of this AD.
        (1) Relocate the number 2 standby power unit (SPU) of the number 
    2 hydraulic system in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 
    S.B. 8-29-23, dated December 6, 1996; or
        (2) Install a hydraulic rudder isolation system in the number 1 
    and number 2 hydraulic systems in accordance with Bombardier Service 
    Bulletin S.B. 8-29-29, dated February 27, 1998.
        (c) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the New York ACO.
    
        (d) 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
    
        (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier 
    Service Bulletin S.B. 8-32-128, Revision `C,' dated March 27, 1998; 
    Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-29-23, dated December 6, 1996; or 
    Bombardier Service Bulletin S.B. 8-29-29, dated February 27, 1998; 
    as applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
    Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
    and 1 CFR part 51. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian 
    airworthiness directives CF-96-25R1, dated January 16, 1997, and CF-
    96-25R2, dated September 10, 1998.
    
        (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 27, 1999.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 1999.
    D.L. Riggin,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 99-24148 Filed 9-21-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
10/27/1999
Published:
09/22/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
99-24148
Dates:
Effective October 27, 1999.
Pages:
51199-51200 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 97-NM-58-AD, Amendment 39-11321, AD 99-19-34
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-24148.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13