Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes, 16577-16579 [E8-6300]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 61 / Friday, March 28, 2008 / Proposed Rules 16577 Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 3, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 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. [FR Doc. E8–6304 Filed 3–27–08; 8:45 am] increase the probability of an elevator disconnect. However, if a bungee became disconnected at the inboard side, the corresponding side of the elevator may not center, and this could adversely affect the pitch control of the aircraft. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// 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: Fabio Buttitta, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE– 172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7303; fax (516) 794–5531. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Loss of elevator pitch control could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Corrective action includes a visual inspection for correct installation of the elevator overload bungees, reinstallation if necessary, and installation of labels to the elevator overload bungees. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–0360; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–368–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC–8–400 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: 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: SUMMARY: rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS Several production aircraft have been found with the elevator overload bungees installed in reverse orientation: i.e., larger end outboard rather than inboard. This bungee reversal does not impact normal operation of the elevator, and would not increase the probability of an elevator disconnect. However, if a bungee became disconnected at the inboard side, the corresponding side of the elevator may not center, and this could adversely affect the pitch control of the aircraft. Loss of elevator pitch control could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. 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 April 28, 2008. 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– 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–2008–0360; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–368–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 https:// 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. Discussion Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–2007–30, dated November 28, 2007 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: VerDate Mar<15>2010 11:16 Mar 09, 2011 Jkt 223001 Several production aircraft have been found with the elevator overload bungees installed in reverse orientation: i.e., larger end outboard rather than inboard. This bungee reversal does not impact normal operation of the elevator, and would not PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Relevant Service Information Bombardier has issued Service Bulletins 84–27–27, dated May 24, 2005; and 84–27–30, Revision ‘C’ dated October 31, 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 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 38 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to E:\ERIC\28MRP1.SGM 28MRP1 16578 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 61 / Friday, March 28, 2008 / Proposed Rules comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $36 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 $4,408, or $116 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. rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 11:16 Mar 09, 2011 Jkt 223001 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA–2008–0360; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–368–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by April 28, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC–8–400, DHC–8–401, and DHC–8–402 airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial numbers 4003 and subsequent. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight controls. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Several production aircraft have been found with the elevator overload bungees installed in reverse orientation: i.e., larger end outboard rather than inboard. This bungee reversal does not impact normal operation of the elevator, and would not increase the probability of an elevator disconnect. However, if a bungee became disconnected at the inboard side, the corresponding side of the elevator may not center, and this could adversely affect the pitch control of the aircraft. Loss of elevator pitch control could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Corrective action includes a visual inspection for correct installation of the elevator overload bungees, reinstallation if necessary, and installation of labels to the elevator overload bungees. Actions and Compliance (f) For airplanes having serial numbers 4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4159: unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Visually inspect both left and right elevator overload bungees, part number (P/N) FE289000000, to determine if they are correctly installed, in PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–30, Revision ‘C,’ dated October 31, 2007. If any bungee is found installed incorrectly, remove the bungee and re-install it correctly before the next flight in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Attach label, P/N FE289006200, to both left and right elevator overload bungees to show the correct orientation of the outboard end in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–30, Revision ‘C,’ dated October 31, 2007. (3) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Re-identify the P/N to read ‘‘FE289000001’’ on the identification plate of both the left and right elevator overload bungees in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–30, Revision ‘C,’ dated October 31, 2007. (4) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–27, dated May 24, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD. (5) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–30, dated February 8, 2007; Revision ‘A,’ dated March 2, 2007; or Revision ‘B,’ dated May 3, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. Note 1: Paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD constitute Modsum 4–113537. (g) For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no replacement/spare elevator overload bungees, P/N FE289000000, are permitted to be installed on any airplane. Only elevator overload bungees identified with new P/N ‘‘FE289000001’’ on the identification plate are permitted to be installed. FAA AD Differences Note 2: 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), 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: Fabio Buttitta, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE–172, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7303; 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 E:\ERIC\28MRP1.SGM 28MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 61 / Friday, March 28, 2008 / Proposed Rules 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, 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–2007–30, dated November 28, 2007; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84– 27–30, Revision ‘C,’ dated October 31, 2007; for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 20, 2008. Dionne Palermo, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–6300 Filed 3–27–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0293; Airspace Docket No. 07–ANM–18] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Salida, CO Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Salida, CO. Additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) at Harriet Alexander Field. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations at Harriet Alexander Field, Salida, CO. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 12, 2008. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2007–0293; Airspace Docket No. 07–ANM–18, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eldon Taylor, Federal Aviation Administration, System Support Group, Western Service Area, 1601 Lind VerDate Mar<15>2010 11:16 Mar 09, 2011 Jkt 223001 Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98057; telephone (425) 203–4537. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA 2007–0293 and Airspace Docket No. 07– ANM–18) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA–2007–0293 and Airspace Docket No. 07–ANM–18’’. The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s Web page at https:// www.faa.gov or the Federal Register’s Web page at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/ fr/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see the ADDRESSES section for the address and phone number) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 16579 federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the Northwest Mountain Regional Office of the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Organization, Western Service Area, System Support Group, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98057. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRMs should contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267–9677, for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure. The Proposal The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by establishing Class E airspace at Salida, CO. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface is necessary to accommodate aircraft using the new RNAV (GPS) SIAP at Harriet Alexander Field. This action would enhance the safety and management of IFR operations at Harriet Alexander Field, Salida, CO. Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9R, signed August 15, 2007, and effective September 15, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in this Order. The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. Therefore, this proposed regulation; (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) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed rule, when promulgated, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code. Subtitle 1, Section 106, describes the authority for the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority E:\ERIC\28MRP1.SGM 28MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 61 (Friday, March 28, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16577-16579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-6300]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0360; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-368-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series 
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:

    Several production aircraft have been found with the elevator 
overload bungees installed in reverse orientation: i.e., larger end 
outboard rather than inboard. This bungee reversal does not impact 
normal operation of the elevator, and would not increase the 
probability of an elevator disconnect. However, if a bungee became 
disconnected at the inboard side, the corresponding side of the 
elevator may not center, and this could adversely affect the pitch 
control of the aircraft.

    Loss of elevator pitch control could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane. 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 April 28, 2008.

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 W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, 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 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: Fabio Buttitta, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7303; 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-2008-0360; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-368-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 https://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.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2007-30, dated November 28, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Several production aircraft have been found with the elevator 
overload bungees installed in reverse orientation: i.e., larger end 
outboard rather than inboard. This bungee reversal does not impact 
normal operation of the elevator, and would not increase the 
probability of an elevator disconnect. However, if a bungee became 
disconnected at the inboard side, the corresponding side of the 
elevator may not center, and this could adversely affect the pitch 
control of the aircraft.

    Loss of elevator pitch control could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane. Corrective action includes a visual 
inspection for correct installation of the elevator overload bungees, 
reinstallation if necessary, and installation of labels to the elevator 
overload bungees. You may obtain further information by examining the 
MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletins 84-27-27, dated May 24, 
2005; and 84-27-30, Revision `C' dated October 31, 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 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 38 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 1 work-hour per product to

[[Page 16578]]

comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $36 
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 $4,408, or $116 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, 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. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2008-
0360; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-368-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by April 28, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, DHC-8-401, 
and DHC-8-402 airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial 
numbers 4003 and subsequent.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Several production aircraft have been found with the elevator 
overload bungees installed in reverse orientation: i.e., larger end 
outboard rather than inboard. This bungee reversal does not impact 
normal operation of the elevator, and would not increase the 
probability of an elevator disconnect. However, if a bungee became 
disconnected at the inboard side, the corresponding side of the 
elevator may not center, and this could adversely affect the pitch 
control of the aircraft.

    Loss of elevator pitch control could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane. Corrective action includes a visual 
inspection for correct installation of the elevator overload 
bungees, reinstallation if necessary, and installation of labels to 
the elevator overload bungees.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) For airplanes having serial numbers 4003, 4004, 4006, and 
4008 through 4159: unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD: Visually inspect both left and right elevator overload bungees, 
part number (P/N) FE289000000, to determine if they are correctly 
installed, in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-30, 
Revision `C,' dated October 31, 2007. If any bungee is found 
installed incorrectly, remove the bungee and re-install it correctly 
before the next flight in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD: Attach label, P/N FE289006200, to both left and right elevator 
overload bungees to show the correct orientation of the outboard end 
in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-30, Revision 
`C,' dated October 31, 2007.
    (3) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD: Re-identify the P/N to read ``FE289000001'' on the 
identification plate of both the left and right elevator overload 
bungees in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-30, 
Revision `C,' dated October 31, 2007.
    (4) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-27, dated May 24, 
2005, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions 
specified in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD.
    (5) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-30, dated February 
8, 2007; Revision `A,' dated March 2, 2007; or Revision `B,' dated 
May 3, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
actions specified in this AD.

    Note 1: Paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD constitute 
Modsum 4-113537.

    (g) For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no 
replacement/spare elevator overload bungees, P/N FE289000000, are 
permitted to be installed on any airplane. Only elevator overload 
bungees identified with new P/N ``FE289000001'' on the 
identification plate are permitted to be installed.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2:
    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), 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: Fabio Buttitta, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York 
ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; 
telephone (516) 228-7303; 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

[[Page 16579]]

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, 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-2007-30, 
dated November 28, 2007; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-30, 
Revision `C,' dated October 31, 2007; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 20, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-6300 Filed 3-27-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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