Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 Series Airplanes, 64010-64012 [E7-22264]

Download as PDF 64010 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Proposed Rules service disruption caused by the transition from DOT’s DMS to the FDMS, the docket material was not posted on the FDMS until November 1, 2007. Therefore, we have determined that the public was not provided adequate opportunity to submit comments on the NPRM. As a result, we have decided to extend the comment period for this NPRM until December 3, 2007, to receive additional comments. FAA’s Determination We have considered this issue and find it appropriate to extend the comment period to give all interested persons additional time to examine the proposed requirements of the original NPRM and submit comments. After evaluating the circumstances stated previously, we have determined that extending the comment period until December 3, 2007, will not compromise the safety of these airplanes. Extension of Comment Period The comment period for Docket No. FAA–2007–29333; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–141–AD; has been revised. The comment period now closes December 3, 2007. No other part of the regulatory information has been changed; therefore, the original NPRM is not republished in the Federal Register. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 7, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 07–5656 Filed 11–9–07; 10:10 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27192; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–008–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC–6 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:00 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 (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: Certain structural components must be replaced by new components at a certain stage of the aircraft’s life to avoid any possibility of fatigue failure. 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 December 14, 2007. You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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 W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Docket Management Facility 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 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: George Duckett, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228–7325; 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 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 to an address listed under the section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–27192; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–008–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 because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// 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. ADDRESSES Discussion On February 4, 1983, we issued AD 83–02–02, Amendment 39–4553. That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on the products listed above. Since we issued AD 83–02–02, structural evaluations of the DHC–6 series airplanes have shown that the service life limits and inspection schedules need to be revised. Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued AD No. CF–2000–14, dated May 25, 2000, (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI refers to the Product Support Manual (PSM) 1–6–11, Revision 5, dated January 11, 2000, which describes the unsafe condition as: Certain structural components must be replaced by new components at a certain stage of the aircraft’s life to avoid any possibility of fatigue failure. The MCAI requires you to inspect, modify, and/or retire affected structural components to maintain the structural integrity of DHC–6 airplanes. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Viking Air Limited has issued PSM 1– 6–11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the 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 this State of Design Authority, they have notified us E:\FR\FM\14NOP1.SGM 14NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Proposed Rules of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Differences Between This Proposed 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 166 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 30 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $988 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $562,408, or $3,388 per product. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need any modifications, repairs, or replacements based on the results of the repetitive inspections. In addition, since the proposed AD is reducing the life limit of certain structural components of the affected airplanes, there would be replacement costs incurred earlier than expected. The FAA has no way of determining the operational usage of each airplane. Therefore, we cannot determine what these costs would be. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS 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. 16:00 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 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, 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. Authority for This Rulemaking VerDate Aug<31>2005 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by removing AD 83–02–02, Amendment 39–4553; and adding the following new AD: Viking Air Limited (formerly Bombardier Inc.): Docket No. FAA–2007–27192; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–008–AD. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 64011 Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by December 14, 2007. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 83–02–02, Amendment 39–4553. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Models DHC–6–1, DHC–6–100, DHC–6–200, and DHC–6–300 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 51: Structures. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) refers to the Product Support Manual (PSM) 1–6–11, Revision 5, dated January 11, 2000, which states: Certain structural components must be replaced by new components at a certain stage of the aircraft’s life to avoid any possibility of fatigue failure. The MCAI requires you to inspect, modify, and/or retire affected structural components to maintain the structural integrity of DHC– 6 airplanes. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, for all aircraft, incorporate the inspections, modifications, and/or retirement of components specified in Bombardier Inc. (formerly de Havilland) DHC–6 ‘‘Twin Otter’’ PSM 1–6–11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007, into the aircraft maintenance program. The compliance times are specified in the manual. For aircraft that are approaching or have exceeded the threshold of the new or revised inspections introduced by this AD, compliance with the threshold inspection may be modified as detailed below: (1) Pre Mod 6/1117 Wing Assemblies: (i) If the last inspection done of the main wing spar attachment lug fastener holes, before the effective date of this AD, was an eddy current inspection following Bombardier Inc. (formerly de Havilland) DHC–6 ‘‘Twin Otter’’ PSM 1–6–11, Revision 5, dated January 11, 2000; or PSM 1–6–11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007; do the repeat high frequency eddy current inspection in accordance with the schedule in PSM 1–6–11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007. (ii) If the last inspection done of the main wing spar attachment lug fastener holes, before the effective date of this AD, was an ultrasonic inspection following Bombardier Service Bulletin 6/525, dated September 6, 1996, do the first high frequency eddy current inspection within 1,000 hours timein-service (TIS) or 2,000 flights, whichever occurs first, after the last ultrasonic inspection. Repetitively inspect thereafter in accordance with the schedule in PSM 1–6– 11, dated March 28, 2007. (2) Post Mod 6/1117 and Post Mod 6/1630 Wing Assemblies: If the inspection threshold for the lower wing skin, stringers, and aft E:\FR\FM\14NOP1.SGM 14NOP1 64012 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Proposed Rules spar lower flange WS122 to WS263 (ribs 8 to 20) has been exceeded or will be exceeded within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do the initial inspection within the next 500 hours TIS, 1,000 flights, or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, following PSM 1–6–11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007. (g) You may take ‘‘unless already done’’ credit if the above actions were done following the procedures described in Bombardier Inc. (formerly de Havilland) DHC–6 ‘‘Twin Otter’’ PSM 1–6–11, Revision 5, dated January 11, 2000. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: The MCAI references PSM 1–6–11, Revision 5, dated January 11, 2000. PSM 1–6–11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007, has since been issued and is referenced for compliance in this AD. 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, 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: George Duckett, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, FAA, New York Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228–7325; fax: (516) 794– 5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (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. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS Related Information (i) Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF–2000–14, dated May 25, 2000; and Viking Air Limited Structural Components Service Life Limits Manual PSM 1–6–11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007, for related information. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 6, 2007. David R. Showers, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–22264 Filed 11–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:00 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY by calling Mr. Joseph Clark at (202) 572– 8768. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection For Operational Matters—Michael Kaneris, Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection, 202–344–1584. For Legal Matters—Glen Vereb, Branch Chief, Office of International Trade, Regulations & Rulings, Customs and Border Protection, 202–572–8700. 19 CFR Part 122 [USCBP–2007–0064] RIN 1651–AA41 Advance Information on Private Aircraft Arriving and Departing the United States Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment period. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document provides an additional 15 days for interested persons to submit comments on the proposed rule to amend the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations pertaining to pilots of any private aircraft arriving in the United States from a foreign port or location or departing the United States for a foreign port or location. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on September 18, 2007, and the comment period was scheduled to expire on November 19, 2007. DATES: Comments on the proposed rule published at 72 FR 53394, September 18, 2007, must be received on or before December 4, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number, by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments via docket number USCBP–2007–0064. • Mail: Border Security Regulations Branch, Office of International Trade, Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., (Mint Annex), Washington, DC 20229. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and document number for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Submitted comments may also be inspected during regular business days between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at The Office of International Trade, Customs and Border Protection, 799 9th Street, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC. Arrangements to inspect submitted comments should be made in advance PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background CBP published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (72 FR 53394) on September 18, 2007, proposing to amend the CBP regulations pertaining to private aircraft arriving in the United States from a foreign port or location or departing the United States for a foreign port or location. The proposed rule would require any pilot of a private aircraft to submit advance electronic information regarding each individual traveling onboard the aircraft no later than 60 minutes before the arriving private aircraft departs from a foreign location for the United States, and no later than 60 minutes before a private aircraft departs a United States airport or location for a foreign location. The proposed rule would also amend CBP regulations to add data elements to the existing notice of arrival requirements, add a notice of departure requirement, and clarify landing rights procedures. The notice of proposed rulemaking invited the public to comment on the proposal. Comments on the proposed rule were requested on or before November 19, 2007. Extension of Comment Period In response to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register, CBP has received correspondence from various parties requesting an extension of the comment period. A decision has been made to grant an extension of 15 days. Comments are now due on or before December 4, 2007. Dated: November 9, 2007. Sandra L. Bell, Executive Director, Regulations & Rulings, Office of International Trade. [FR Doc. E7–22309 Filed 11–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P E:\FR\FM\14NOP1.SGM 14NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64010-64012]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22264]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27192; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-008-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. 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:

    Certain structural components must be replaced by new components 
at a certain stage of the aircraft's life to avoid any possibility 
of fatigue failure.

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 December 14, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
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 W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.
    Docket Management Facility 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 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: George Duckett, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, New York Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, 
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7325; 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-2007-
27192; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-008-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 because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
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.

Discussion

    On February 4, 1983, we issued AD 83-02-02, Amendment 39-4553. That 
AD required actions intended to address an unsafe condition on the 
products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 83-02-02, structural evaluations of the DHC-6 
series airplanes have shown that the service life limits and inspection 
schedules need to be revised.
    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued AD No. CF-2000-14, dated May 25, 2000, (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI refers to the Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-6-11, 
Revision 5, dated January 11, 2000, which describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    Certain structural components must be replaced by new components 
at a certain stage of the aircraft's life to avoid any possibility 
of fatigue failure.

    The MCAI requires you to inspect, modify, and/or retire affected 
structural components to maintain the structural integrity of DHC-6 
airplanes.
    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Viking Air Limited has issued PSM 1-6-11, Revision 6, dated March 
28, 2007. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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 this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us

[[Page 64011]]

of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information 
referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all 
information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between This Proposed 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 166 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 30 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $988 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $562,408, or $3,388 per product.
    We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need 
any modifications, repairs, or replacements based on the results of the 
repetitive inspections.
    In addition, since the proposed AD is reducing the life limit of 
certain structural components of the affected airplanes, there would be 
replacement costs incurred earlier than expected. The FAA has no way of 
determining the operational usage of each airplane. Therefore, we 
cannot determine what these costs would be.

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, 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 removing AD 83-02-02, Amendment 
39-4553; and adding the following new AD:

Viking Air Limited (formerly Bombardier Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2007-
27192; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-008-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 14, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 83-02-02, Amendment 39-4553.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, and 
DHC-6-300 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 51: 
Structures.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
refers to the Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-6-11, Revision 5, dated 
January 11, 2000, which states:
    Certain structural components must be replaced by new components 
at a certain stage of the aircraft's life to avoid any possibility 
of fatigue failure.
    The MCAI requires you to inspect, modify, and/or retire affected 
structural components to maintain the structural integrity of DHC-6 
airplanes.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, for all aircraft, incorporate the inspections, 
modifications, and/or retirement of components specified in 
Bombardier Inc. (formerly de Havilland) DHC-6 ``Twin Otter'' PSM 1-
6-11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007, into the aircraft 
maintenance program. The compliance times are specified in the 
manual. For aircraft that are approaching or have exceeded the 
threshold of the new or revised inspections introduced by this AD, 
compliance with the threshold inspection may be modified as detailed 
below:
    (1) Pre Mod 6/1117 Wing Assemblies:
    (i) If the last inspection done of the main wing spar attachment 
lug fastener holes, before the effective date of this AD, was an 
eddy current inspection following Bombardier Inc. (formerly de 
Havilland) DHC-6 ``Twin Otter'' PSM 1-6-11, Revision 5, dated 
January 11, 2000; or PSM 1-6-11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007; 
do the repeat high frequency eddy current inspection in accordance 
with the schedule in PSM 1-6-11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007.
    (ii) If the last inspection done of the main wing spar 
attachment lug fastener holes, before the effective date of this AD, 
was an ultrasonic inspection following Bombardier Service Bulletin 
6/525, dated September 6, 1996, do the first high frequency eddy 
current inspection within 1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 2,000 
flights, whichever occurs first, after the last ultrasonic 
inspection. Repetitively inspect thereafter in accordance with the 
schedule in PSM 1-6-11, dated March 28, 2007.
    (2) Post Mod 6/1117 and Post Mod 6/1630 Wing Assemblies: If the 
inspection threshold for the lower wing skin, stringers, and aft

[[Page 64012]]

spar lower flange WS122 to WS263 (ribs 8 to 20) has been exceeded or 
will be exceeded within 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, do the initial inspection within the next 500 hours TIS, 1,000 
flights, or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, following PSM 1-6-11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 
2007.
    (g) You may take ``unless already done'' credit if the above 
actions were done following the procedures described in Bombardier 
Inc. (formerly de Havilland) DHC-6 ``Twin Otter'' PSM 1-6-11, 
Revision 5, dated January 11, 2000.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI references PSM 1-6-11, Revision 5, dated 
January 11, 2000. PSM 1-6-11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007, has 
since been issued and is referenced for compliance in this AD.

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, 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: George Duckett, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, FAA, New York 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7325; fax: (516) 794-5531. Before 
using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, 
notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (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 Transport Canada AD No. CF-2000-14, dated May 
25, 2000; and Viking Air Limited Structural Components Service Life 
Limits Manual PSM 1-6-11, Revision 6, dated March 28, 2007, for 
related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 6, 2007.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-22264 Filed 11-13-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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