Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes, 71729-71731 [2012-29171]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes ODA that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 2000–06–13,
Amendment 39–11654 (65 FR 17583, April 4,
2000); and AD 2000–06–13 R1, Amendment
39–12317 (66 FR 36146, July 11, 2001); are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding
requirements of this AD.
[Docket No. FAA–2012–1222; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–134–AD]
control unit (PCU), and replacing any
PCU on which the bearing exceeds
allowable limits with a serviceable PCU.
Since we issued that AD, we have
determined that additional airplanes are
affected by the identified unsafe
condition. This proposed AD would add
airplanes to the applicability in the
existing AD. We are proposing this AD
to detect and correct excessive freeplay
of the swaged bearings, which could
lead to excessive airframe vibrations
and difficulties in pitch control, and
consequent loss of controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 18, 2013.
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, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Bombardier,
Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123
Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario
M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416–375–
4000; fax 416–375–4539; email
thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com;
Internet https://www.bombardier.com.
You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–
1221.
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
(y) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; phone: (425) 917–6450; fax: (425) 917–
6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone
206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–
5680; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review
copies of the referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington.
For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 21, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–29170 Filed 12–3–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc. Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to supersede an
existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to certain Bombardier, Inc.
Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes. The
existing AD currently requires a freeplay check for excessive free-play of the
shaft swaged bearing installed in the
tailstock end of each elevator power
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with
SUMMARY:
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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:
Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer,
PO 00000
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71729
Airframe and Mechanical Systems
Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–
7318; 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–2012–1222; Directorate Identifier
2012–NM–134–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
On June 14, 2011, we issued AD
2011–13–08, Amendment 39–16731 (76
FR 37253, June 27, 2011). That AD
required actions intended to address an
unsafe condition on Bombardier, Inc.
Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes.
Since we issued the existing AD (76
FR 37253, June 27, 2011), we have
determined that additional airplanes are
affected by the identified unsafe
condition. Transport Canada Civil
Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–
2010–28R1, dated June 12, 2012
(referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
Several reports have been received on the
elevator power control units (PCUs) where
the shaft (tailstock) swaged bearing liners had
shown a higher than normal rate of wear.
Investigation revealed that the excessive wear
was due to the paint contamination between
the bearing roller and bearing liner. The
bearing paint contamination is known to be
abrasive and could seize the bearing.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to excessive airframe vibrations and
difficulties in aircraft pitch control.
This [TCCA] directive mandates a free-play
check of the shaft swaged bearing installed in
the elevator PCU tailstock end and
replacement of the shaft swaged bearings if
excessive free-play is found.
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
This [TCCA] AD is revised to amend the
applicability for DHC–8 Series 400
aeroplanes.
The unsafe condition is loss of
controllability of the airplane. You may
obtain further information by examining
the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier Inc. has issued Service
Bulletin 84–27–52, Revision A, dated
March 5, 2012. 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.
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 81 products of U.S. registry.
The actions that are required by AD
2011–13–08, Amendment 39–16731 (76
FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and retained
in this proposed AD take about 3 workhours per product, at an average labor
rate of $85 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the
currently required actions is $255 per
product.
We estimate that it would take about
3 work-hours per product to comply
with the new basic requirements of this
proposed AD. The average labor rate is
$85 per work-hour. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators for the
added airplanes to be $255 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions would take
about 5 work-hours and require parts
costing $33, for a cost of $458 per
product. We have no way of
determining the number of products
that may need these actions.
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
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16:10 Dec 03, 2012
Jkt 229001
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. 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, Incorporation by reference,
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
removing airworthiness directive AD
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2011–13–08, Amendment 39–16731 (76
FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and adding
the following new AD:
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2012–
1222; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–
134–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 18,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2011–13–08,
Amendment 39–16731 (76 FR 37253, June
27, 2011).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model
DHC–8–400, –401, and –402 airplanes;
certificated in any category; having serial
numbers (S/Ns) 4001 through 4334 inclusive,
and 4336.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27: Flight controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
replacement of several elevator power control
units (PCUs) due to worn swaged bearings
located in the elevator PCU tailstock. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
excessive freeplay of the swaged bearings,
which could lead to excessive airframe
vibrations and difficulties in pitch control,
and consequent loss of controllability of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(g) Retained Free-Play Check With Revised
Service Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of AD 2011–13–08,
Amendment 39–16731 (76 FR 37253, June
27, 2011), with revised service information.
For airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of
this AD, except airplanes having S/N 4305
through 4334 inclusive, and 4336: At the
applicable time specified in paragraphs (g)(1)
and (g)(2) of this AD, perform a free-play
check for any shaft swaged bearing having
part number (P/N) MS14103–7 that is
installed in the tailstock end of each elevator
PCU (three PCUs per elevator surface) having
P/Ns 390600–1007 and 390600–1009, in
accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part A, of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–52, dated
May 25, 2010; or Revision A, dated March 5,
2012. As of the effective date of this AD, only
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–52,
Revision A, dated March 5, 2012, may be
used to accomplish the actions required by
this paragraph.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated
8,000 or more total flight hours as of August
1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011–13–08,
Amendment 39–16731 (76 FR 37253, June
27, 2011)): Within 2,000 flight hours after
August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD
2011–13–08).
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 4, 2012 / Proposed Rules
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated
less than 8,000 total flight hours as of August
1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011–13–08,
Amendment 39–16731 (76 FR 37253, June
27, 2011)): Within 6,000 flight hours after
August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD
2011–13–08), or before the accumulation of
10,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs
first.
(h) Retained Follow-on Action
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (h) of AD 2011–13–08,
Amendment 39–16731 (76 FR 37253, June
27, 2011), with revised service information.
If, during the check required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, the bearing free-play is within the
limits specified in Bombardier Service
Bulletin 84–27–52, dated May 25, 2010, or
Revision A, dated March 5, 2012; no further
action is required by this AD. As of the
effective date of this AD, only Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84–27–52, Revision A, dated
March 5, 2012, may be used to accomplish
the actions required by this paragraph.
(i) Retained Corrective Actions
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (i) of AD 2011–13–08, Amendment
39–16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), with
revised service information. If, during the
check required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
the bearing free-play exceeds the limits
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–
27–52, dated May 25, 2010; or Revision A,
dated March 5, 2012: Before further flight,
replace the elevator PCU with a serviceable
one, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part
B, of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–52,
dated May 25, 2010; or Revision A, dated
March 5, 2012. As of the effective date of this
AD, only Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–
27–52, Revision A, dated March 5, 2012, may
be used to accomplish the actions required
by this paragraph.
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with
(j) New Requirements
For airplanes having S/N 4305 through
4334 inclusive, and 4336: At the applicable
time specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2)
of this AD, perform a free-play check for any
shaft swaged bearing having P/N MS14103–
7 that is installed in the tailstock end of each
elevator PCU (three PCUs per elevator
surface), having P/Ns 390600–1007 and
390600–1009, in accordance with paragraph
3.B., Part A, of Bombardier Service Bulletin
84–27–52, Revision A, dated March 5, 2012.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated
8,000 or more total flight hours as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 2,000 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated
less than 8,000 total flight hours as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 6,000 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, or
before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight
hours, whichever occurs first.
(k) Corrective Actions
During the check required by paragraph (j)
of this AD, if the bearing free-play is found
to exceed the limits specified in Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84–27–52, Revision A, dated
March 5, 2012: Before further flight, replace
the elevator PCU with a serviceable one, in
accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part B, of
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71731
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–52,
Revision A, dated March 5, 2012.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
Federal Aviation Administration
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), ANE–170, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the ACO, send it to Program
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety,
FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
(516) 228–7300; fax (516) 794–5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the local
flight standards district office/certificate
holding district office. The AMOC approval
letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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.
14 CFR Part 39
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF–2010–28R1,
dated June 12, 2012, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i)
and (l)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related
information.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–27–52,
dated May 25, 2010.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 87–27–52,
Revision A, dated March 5, 2012.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series
Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada;
telephone 416–375–4000; fax 416–375–4539;
email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com;
Internet https://www.bombardier.com. You
may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 21, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–29171 Filed 12–3–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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[Docket No. FAA–2012–1221; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–151–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 777–200
and –300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of hydraulic fluid contamination found
in the strut forward dry bay. This
proposed AD would require repetitive
general visual inspections of the strut
forward dry bay for the presence of
hydraulic fluid, and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct hydraulic fluid
contamination of the strut forward dry
bay, which could result in hydrogen
embrittlement of the titanium forward
engine mount bulkhead fittings, and
consequent inability of the fittings to
carry engine loads, resulting in the loss
or departure of an engine. Hydraulic
embrittlement could cause a throughcrack formation across the fittings
through which an engine fire could
breach into the strut, resulting in an
uncontained strut fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 18, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P. O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 4, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71729-71731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29171]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1222; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-134-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series
airplanes. The existing AD currently requires a free-play check for
excessive free-play of the shaft swaged bearing installed in the
tailstock end of each elevator power control unit (PCU), and replacing
any PCU on which the bearing exceeds allowable limits with a
serviceable PCU. Since we issued that AD, we have determined that
additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition.
This proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability in the
existing AD. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct excessive
freeplay of the swaged bearings, which could lead to excessive airframe
vibrations and difficulties in pitch control, and consequent loss of
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 18,
2013.
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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-
4539; email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
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: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury,
New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; 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-2012-1222;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-134-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
On June 14, 2011, we issued AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76
FR 37253, June 27, 2011). That AD required actions intended to address
an unsafe condition on Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series
airplanes.
Since we issued the existing AD (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), we
have determined that additional airplanes are affected by the
identified unsafe condition. Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA),
which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-28R1, dated June 12, 2012 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Several reports have been received on the elevator power control
units (PCUs) where the shaft (tailstock) swaged bearing liners had
shown a higher than normal rate of wear. Investigation revealed that
the excessive wear was due to the paint contamination between the
bearing roller and bearing liner. The bearing paint contamination is
known to be abrasive and could seize the bearing.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to excessive
airframe vibrations and difficulties in aircraft pitch control.
This [TCCA] directive mandates a free-play check of the shaft
swaged bearing installed in the elevator PCU tailstock end and
replacement of the shaft swaged bearings if excessive free-play is
found.
[[Page 71730]]
This [TCCA] AD is revised to amend the applicability for DHC-8
Series 400 aeroplanes.
The unsafe condition is loss of controllability of the airplane.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A,
dated March 5, 2012. 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.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 81 products of U.S. registry.
The actions that are required by AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731
(76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and retained in this proposed AD take
about 3 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently
required actions is $255 per product.
We estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to
comply with the new basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators for the added airplanes
to be $255 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 5 work-hours and require parts costing $33, for a cost of
$458 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products
that may need these actions.
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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, Incorporation by
reference, 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 airworthiness directive
AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), and
adding the following new AD:
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2012-1222; Directorate Identifier
2012-NM-134-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 18, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR
37253, June 27, 2011).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -
402 airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial numbers
(S/Ns) 4001 through 4334 inclusive, and 4336.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of replacement of several
elevator power control units (PCUs) due to worn swaged bearings
located in the elevator PCU tailstock. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct excessive freeplay of the swaged bearings, which
could lead to excessive airframe vibrations and difficulties in
pitch control, and consequent loss of controllability of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Retained Free-Play Check With Revised Service Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), with
revised service information. For airplanes identified in paragraph
(c) of this AD, except airplanes having S/N 4305 through 4334
inclusive, and 4336: At the applicable time specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, perform a free-play check for any
shaft swaged bearing having part number (P/N) MS14103-7 that is
installed in the tailstock end of each elevator PCU (three PCUs per
elevator surface) having P/Ns 390600-1007 and 390600-1009, in
accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part A, of Bombardier Service
Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25, 2010; or Revision A, dated March 5,
2012. As of the effective date of this AD, only Bombardier Service
Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5, 2012, may be used to
accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more total
flight hours as of August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011)): Within 2,000
flight hours after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08).
[[Page 71731]]
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 8,000 total
flight hours as of August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011)): Within 6,000
flight hours after August 1, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-13-
08), or before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours,
whichever occurs first.
(h) Retained Follow-on Action
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), with
revised service information. If, during the check required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, the bearing free-play is within the limits
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25,
2010, or Revision A, dated March 5, 2012; no further action is
required by this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, only
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012, may be used to accomplish the actions required by this
paragraph.
(i) Retained Corrective Actions
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2011-13-08, Amendment 39-16731 (76 FR 37253, June 27, 2011), with
revised service information. If, during the check required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, the bearing free-play exceeds the limits
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25,
2010; or Revision A, dated March 5, 2012: Before further flight,
replace the elevator PCU with a serviceable one, in accordance with
paragraph 3.B., Part B, of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52,
dated May 25, 2010; or Revision A, dated March 5, 2012. As of the
effective date of this AD, only Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-
52, Revision A, dated March 5, 2012, may be used to accomplish the
actions required by this paragraph.
(j) New Requirements
For airplanes having S/N 4305 through 4334 inclusive, and 4336:
At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of
this AD, perform a free-play check for any shaft swaged bearing
having P/N MS14103-7 that is installed in the tailstock end of each
elevator PCU (three PCUs per elevator surface), having P/Ns 390600-
1007 and 390600-1009, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part A, of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,000 or more total
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 2,000
flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 8,000 total
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6,000
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, or before the
accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(k) Corrective Actions
During the check required by paragraph (j) of this AD, if the
bearing free-play is found to exceed the limits specified in
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012: Before further flight, replace the elevator PCU with a
serviceable one, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., Part B, of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, Revision A, dated March 5,
2012.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the ACO, send it to Program Manager, Continuing
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7300; fax (516) 794-
5531. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically
reference this AD.
(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.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2010-28R1, dated June 12,
2012, and the service information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i)
and (l)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related information.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-52, dated May 25, 2010.
(ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 87-27-52, Revision A, dated
March 5, 2012.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000;
fax 416-375-4539; email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet
https://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 21, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-29171 Filed 12-3-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
