Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Propellers R408 Series Propellers, 61346-61348 [E8-24252]
Download as PDF
61346
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 201 / Thursday, October 16, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–24137 Filed 10–15–08; 8:45 am]
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1088; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NE–15–AD; Amendment 39–
15691; AD 2008–21–07]
You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; Dowty
Propellers R408 Series Propellers
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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is the same as the mail
address provided in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; e-mail: terry.fahr@faa.gov;
telephone (781) 238–7155; fax (781)
238–7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued 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:
Three in-service propellers have been
found to have blades which have lost
the bonded metallic leading edge guard.
If the leading edge guard comes off as
the propeller turns, it could cause
secondary damage to aircraft or injury to
personnel. For the reasons described
above, EASA issued Emergency AD
2007–0223–E to require repetitive
inspections of the blade Leading Edge
(L/E) guards for correct bonding until
they accumulate more than 1,200 flight
hours (FH) time in service.
This AD requires actions that are
intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI, which
could result in the loss of the bonded
metallic leading edge guard, and could
result in damage to the airplane or
injury to personnel.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
October 31, 2008.
We must receive comments on this
AD by November 17, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of Dowty Propellers Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) D8400–61–A69, dated
August 15, 2007, and ASB D8400–61–
A69, Revision 1, dated September 18,
2007, listed in the AD as of October 31,
2008.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:18 Oct 15, 2008
Jkt 217001
ADDRESSES:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2007–0223 R2,
dated October 26, 2007, (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
Three in-service propellers have been
found to have blades which have lost the
bonded metallic leading edge guard. If the
leading edge guard comes off as the propeller
turns, it could cause secondary damage to
aircraft or injury to personnel.
For the reasons described above,
EASA issued Emergency AD 2007–
0223–E to require repetitive inspections
of the blade Leading Edge (L/E) guards
for correct bonding until they
accumulate more than 1,200 FH time in
service. Revision 1 of this AD was
issued to clarify the required
inspections and follow-up actions
depending on findings and to make
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
reference to the latest Dowty Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) revision.
This AD has been further revised for
clarification, specifying that blades repaired
at the tip are only allowed to continue up to
500 hours in service after repair. This
limitation was already in the Dowty ASB and
the Note is added to the AD to avoid the
impression that the AD does not require the
same limitation.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Dowty Propellers has issued Alert
Service Bulletins D8400–61–A69, dated
August 15, 2007; and Revision 1, dated
September 18, 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 AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of the United
Kingdom, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the United
Kingdom, they have notified us of the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information referenced
above. We are issuing this AD because
we evaluated all information provided
by the United Kingdom and determined
the unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other products of
the same type design.
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because the required compliance
time to detect the unsafe condition is
too short for public comment. Therefore,
we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before
issuing this AD are impracticable and
that good cause exists for making this
amendment effective in fewer than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2008–1088;
Directorate Identifier 2008–NE–15–AD’’
at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
E:\FR\FM\16OCR1.SGM
16OCR1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 201 / Thursday, October 16, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of 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 AD.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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
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.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 AD:
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:18 Oct 15, 2008
Jkt 217001
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2008–21–07 Dowty Propellers (Formerly
Dowty Aerospace Propellers):
Amendment 39–15691; Docket No.
FAA–2008–1088; Directorate Identifier
2008–NE–15–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective October 31, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Dowty Propellers
model R408/6–123–F/17 propellers with
blades, part numbers (P/Ns) 697071200–18,
697071210–18, 697071227–18, 697071240–
18, 697071245–18, or 697071257–18,
installed. These propellers are installed on,
but not limited to, Bombardier, Inc. (formerly
de Havilland Canada) models DHC–8–400,
DHC–8–401, and DHC–8–402 series
airplanes.
Reason
(d) Three in-service propellers have been
found to have blades which have lost the
bonded metallic leading edge guard. If the
leading edge guard comes off as the propeller
turns, it could cause secondary damage to
aircraft or injury to personnel. For the
reasons described above, EASA issued
Emergency AD 2007–0223–E to require
repetitive inspections of the blade Leading
Edge (L/E) guards for correct bonding until
they accumulate more than 1,200 flight hours
(FH) time in service.
This AD requires actions that are intended
to address the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI, which could result in the loss of
the bonded metallic leading edge guard,
which could result in damage to the airplane
or injury to personnel.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within the next 50 FH or within 1
month after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, inspect all the
concerned blade assemblies where the
bonded metallic L/E guard has accumulated
1,200 FH or less since installation, in
accordance with the instructions of Dowty
Propellers ASB No. D8400–61–A69;
(2) Within 50 FH or 1 month after
installing a replacement blade, inspect the
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
61347
concerned blade assembly where the bonded
metallic L/E guard has accumulated 1,200 FH
or less since installation, in accordance with
the instructions of Dowty Propellers ASB No.
D8400–61–A69;
(3) After the inspection as required by
paragraph (1) or (2) of this AD, as applicable,
at intervals not to exceed 100 FH, repeat the
inspection of the concerned blade assemblies
in accordance with the instructions of Dowty
Propellers ASB No. D8400–61–A69 until the
bonded blade L/E guard has accumulated
more than 1,200 FH since installation;
(4) When, during any of the inspections as
required by paragraphs (1), (2) or (3) of this
AD, disbonding is found, apply the criteria
as indicated in Appendix A of Dowty
Propellers ASB No. D8400–61–A69 Revision
1 and, within the associated time period,
repair or replace the affected blade assembly,
as necessary, in accordance with the
instructions of Dowty Propellers ASB No.
D8400–61–A69 Revision 1.
(f) Blades that have been repaired within
the first 101.6 mm (4.0 inches) of the tip of
the blade as specified in Appendix D of the
referenced ASB are allowed to continue in
service for another 500 FH after
accomplishment of the repair. Repair does
not terminate the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this
directive.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Special Flight Permits: We are
prohibiting special flight permits.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Airworthiness Directive
2007–0223, Revision 2, dated October 26,
2007, and Dowty Propellers Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) D8400–61–A69, dated August
15, 2007 or Revision 1, dated September 18,
2007, for related information.
(i) Contact Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803; e-mail: terry.fahr@faa.gov; telephone
(781) 238–7155; fax (781) 238–7170, for more
information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use the service information
specified in Table 1 of this AD to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Dowty Propellers, Anson
Business Park, Cheltenham Road East,
Gloucester GL2 9QN, UK; Telephone 44 (0)
1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 716001.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
New England Region, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the
National Archives and Records
E:\FR\FM\16OCR1.SGM
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61348
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 201 / Thursday, October 16, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
TABLE 1—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Alert Service Bulletin No.
Page
Revision
D8400–61–A69, Total Pages—4 .....................................................
1 ................................
2 ................................
3 ................................
4 ................................
1 ................................
2 to 4 ........................
All ..............................
All ..............................
All ..............................
1 ................................
Original .....................
1 ................................
Original .....................
1 ................................
Original .....................
Original .....................
Original .....................
1 ................................
D8400–61–A69, Appendix A, Total Pages—4 ................................
D8400–61–A69, Appendix B, Total Pages—1 ................................
D8400–61–A69, Appendix C, Total Pages—3 ................................
D8400–61–A69, Appendix D, Total Pages—2 ................................
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
October 3, 2008.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Assistant Manager, Engine and
Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8–24252 Filed 10–15–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 97
[Docket No. 30631; Amdt. No 3290]
Standard Instrument Approach
Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums
and Obstacle Departure Procedures;
Miscellaneous Amendments
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This establishes, amends,
suspends, or revokes Standard
Instrument Approach Procedures
(SIAPs) and associated Takeoff
Minimums and Obstacle Departure
Procedures for operations at certain
airports. These regulatory actions are
needed because of the adoption of new
or revised criteria, or because of changes
occurring in the National Airspace
System, such as the commissioning of
new navigational facilities, adding new
obstacles, or changing air traffic
requirements. These changes are
designed to provide safe and efficient
use of the navigable airspace and to
promote safe flight operations under
instrument flight rules at the affected
airports.
This rule is effective October 16,
2008. The compliance date for each
SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums,
and ODP is specified in the amendatory
provisions.
DATES:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:18 Oct 15, 2008
Jkt 217001
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of October 16,
2008.
ADDRESSES: Availability of matters
incorporated by reference in the
amendment is as follows:
For Examination—
1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA
Headquarters Building, 800
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591;
2. The FAA Regional Office of the
region in which the affected airport is
located;
3. The National Flight Procedures
Office, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd.,
Oklahoma City, OK 73169 or,
4. The National Archives and Records
Administration(NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to:https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Availability—All SIAPs and Takeoff
Minimums and ODPs are available
online free of charge. Visit https://
www.nfdc.faa.gov to register.
Additionally, individual SIAP and
Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may
be obtained from:
1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA–
200), FAA HeadquartersBuilding, 800
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; or
2. The FAA Regional Office of the
region in which the affected airport is
located.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Harry J. Hodges, Flight Procedure
Standards Branch (AFS–420), Flight
Technologies andPrograms Divisions,
Flight Standards Service, Federal
AviationAdministration, Mike
Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500
SouthMacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City,
OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box
25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125)
Telephone: (405) 954–4164.
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Date
September 18, 2007.
August 15, 2007.
September 18, 2007.
August 15, 2007.
September 18, 2007.
August 15, 2007.
August 15, 2007.
August 15, 2007.
September 18, 2007.
This rule
amends Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97), by
establishing, amending, suspending, or
revoking SIAPS, TakeoffMinimums and/
or ODPS. The complete regulators’
description of each SIAP and its
associated Takeoff Minimums or ODP
for an identified airport is listed on FAA
form documents which are incorporated
by reference in this amendment under 5
U.S.C.552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14 CFR
part 97.20. The applicable FAAForms
are FAA Forms 8260–3, 8260–4, 8260–
5, 8260–15A, and 8260–15B when
required by an entry on 8260–15A.
The large number of SIAPs, Takeoff
Minimums and ODPs, in addition to
their complex nature and the need for
a special format make publication in the
Federal Register expensive and
impractical. Furthermore, airmen do not
use the regulatory text of the SIAPs,
Takeoff Minimums or ODPs, but instead
refer to their depiction on charts printed
by publishers of aeronautical materials.
The advantages of incorporation by
reference are realized and publication of
the complete description of each SIAP,
Takeoff Minimums and ODP listed on
FAA forms is unnecessary. This
amendment provides the affected CFR
sections and specifies the types of SIAPs
and the effective dates of the associated
Takeoff Minimums and ODPs. This
amendment also identifies the airport
and its location, the procedure, and the
amendment number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Rule
This amendment to 14 CFR part 97 is
effective upon publication of each
separate SIAP, Takeoff Minimums and
ODP as contained in the transmittal.
Some SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and
textual ODP amendments may have
been issued previously by the FAA in a
Flight Data Center (FDC) Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM) as an emergency
action of immediate flight safety relating
directly to published aeronautical
E:\FR\FM\16OCR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 201 (Thursday, October 16, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61346-61348]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-24252]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1088; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-15-AD;
Amendment 39-15691; AD 2008-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Propellers R408 Series Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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:
Three in-service propellers have been found to have blades which
have lost the bonded metallic leading edge guard. If the leading edge
guard comes off as the propeller turns, it could cause secondary damage
to aircraft or injury to personnel. For the reasons described above,
EASA issued Emergency AD 2007-0223-E to require repetitive inspections
of the blade Leading Edge (L/E) guards for correct bonding until they
accumulate more than 1,200 flight hours (FH) time in service.
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI, which could result in the loss of the
bonded metallic leading edge guard, and could result in damage to the
airplane or injury to personnel.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 31, 2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 17, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Dowty Propellers Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) D8400-61-
A69, dated August 15, 2007, and ASB D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, dated
September 18, 2007, listed in the AD as of October 31, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC
20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as
the mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
terry.fahr@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7155; fax (781) 238-7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0223 R2, dated October 26, 2007, (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Three in-service propellers have been found to have blades which
have lost the bonded metallic leading edge guard. If the leading
edge guard comes off as the propeller turns, it could cause
secondary damage to aircraft or injury to personnel.
For the reasons described above, EASA issued Emergency AD 2007-
0223-E to require repetitive inspections of the blade Leading Edge (L/
E) guards for correct bonding until they accumulate more than 1,200 FH
time in service. Revision 1 of this AD was issued to clarify the
required inspections and follow-up actions depending on findings and to
make reference to the latest Dowty Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
revision.
This AD has been further revised for clarification, specifying
that blades repaired at the tip are only allowed to continue up to
500 hours in service after repair. This limitation was already in
the Dowty ASB and the Note is added to the AD to avoid the
impression that the AD does not require the same limitation.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Dowty Propellers has issued Alert Service Bulletins D8400-61-A69,
dated August 15, 2007; and Revision 1, dated September 18, 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 AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of the
United Kingdom, and is approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, they have
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all information provided by the United Kingdom and determined
the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the
required compliance time to detect the unsafe condition is too short
for public comment. Therefore, we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer
than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1088; Directorate
Identifier 2008-NE-15-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
[[Page 61347]]
this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and
may amend this AD because of 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 AD.
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 AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2008-21-07 Dowty Propellers (Formerly Dowty Aerospace Propellers):
Amendment 39-15691; Docket No. FAA-2008-1088; Directorate Identifier
2008-NE-15-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October
31, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Dowty Propellers model R408/6-123-F/17
propellers with blades, part numbers (P/Ns) 697071200-18, 697071210-
18, 697071227-18, 697071240-18, 697071245-18, or 697071257-18,
installed. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to,
Bombardier, Inc. (formerly de Havilland Canada) models DHC-8-400,
DHC-8-401, and DHC-8-402 series airplanes.
Reason
(d) Three in-service propellers have been found to have blades
which have lost the bonded metallic leading edge guard. If the
leading edge guard comes off as the propeller turns, it could cause
secondary damage to aircraft or injury to personnel. For the reasons
described above, EASA issued Emergency AD 2007-0223-E to require
repetitive inspections of the blade Leading Edge (L/E) guards for
correct bonding until they accumulate more than 1,200 flight hours
(FH) time in service.
This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI, which could result in the loss of
the bonded metallic leading edge guard, which could result in damage
to the airplane or injury to personnel.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within the next 50 FH or within 1 month after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect all the concerned
blade assemblies where the bonded metallic L/E guard has accumulated
1,200 FH or less since installation, in accordance with the
instructions of Dowty Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69;
(2) Within 50 FH or 1 month after installing a replacement
blade, inspect the concerned blade assembly where the bonded
metallic L/E guard has accumulated 1,200 FH or less since
installation, in accordance with the instructions of Dowty
Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69;
(3) After the inspection as required by paragraph (1) or (2) of
this AD, as applicable, at intervals not to exceed 100 FH, repeat
the inspection of the concerned blade assemblies in accordance with
the instructions of Dowty Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69 until the
bonded blade L/E guard has accumulated more than 1,200 FH since
installation;
(4) When, during any of the inspections as required by
paragraphs (1), (2) or (3) of this AD, disbonding is found, apply
the criteria as indicated in Appendix A of Dowty Propellers ASB No.
D8400-61-A69 Revision 1 and, within the associated time period,
repair or replace the affected blade assembly, as necessary, in
accordance with the instructions of Dowty Propellers ASB No. D8400-
61-A69 Revision 1.
(f) Blades that have been repaired within the first 101.6 mm
(4.0 inches) of the tip of the blade as specified in Appendix D of
the referenced ASB are allowed to continue in service for another
500 FH after accomplishment of the repair. Repair does not terminate
the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this
directive.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Special Flight Permits: We are prohibiting special flight
permits.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Airworthiness Directive 2007-0223, Revision 2,
dated October 26, 2007, and Dowty Propellers Alert Service Bulletin
(ASB) D8400-61-A69, dated August 15, 2007 or Revision 1, dated
September 18, 2007, for related information.
(i) Contact Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail:
terry.fahr@faa.gov; telephone (781) 238-7155; fax (781) 238-7170,
for more information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dowty
Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester
GL2 9QN, UK; Telephone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 716001.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives
and Records
[[Page 61348]]
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Table 1--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert Service Bulletin No. Page Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D8400-61-A69, Total Pages--4... 1................. 1................. September 18, 2007.
2.................. Original.......... August 15, 2007.
3.................. 1................. September 18, 2007.
4.................. Original.......... August 15, 2007.
D8400-61-A69, Appendix A, Total 1................. 1................. September 18, 2007.
Pages--4.
2 to 4............. Original.......... August 15, 2007.
D8400-61-A69, Appendix B, Total All............... Original.......... August 15, 2007.
Pages--1.
D8400-61-A69, Appendix C, Total All............... Original.......... August 15, 2007.
Pages--3.
D8400-61-A69, Appendix D, Total All............... 1................. September 18, 2007.
Pages--2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 3, 2008.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-24252 Filed 10-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P