Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes, 47384-47387 [2014-19153]

Download as PDF 47384 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 156 / Wednesday, August 13, 2014 / Proposed Rules Public Law 91–190, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. Programs Affected The programs affected by this regulation are listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under numbers 10.405—Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants; 10.415—Rural Rental Housing Loans; and 10.427—Rural Rental Assistance Payments. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Executive Order 12372— Intergovernmental Consultation These loans are subject to the provisions of E.O. 12372, which require intergovernmental consultation with state and local officials. RHS conducts intergovernmental consultations for each loan in a manner delineated in RD Instruction 1940–J, (available in any Rural Development office and on the Internet at https://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ SupportDocuments/1940j.pdf) and 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V. Background Information: Reserve accounts are established by the recipient of Section 515 Rural Rental Housing loans (the ‘‘borrower’’) to meet the major capital expenses of a housing project. The amount of the payments to the reserve account is established in the loan documents, beginning with the first loan payment or the date specified in the loan documents. The current requirement at 7 CFR 3560.306(e)(2) states that reserve accounts require Agency countersignature with the borrower on all withdrawals. The Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) often provides funding to an existing Section 515 Direct Rural Rental Housing property. Loan funds provided by the lender and guaranteed by the GRRHP are critical to the rehabilitation and preservation of older existing Section 515 properties. The GRRHP regulation at 7 CFR 3565.402(a) requires that all property reserve accounts be held by the lender, which eliminates the unauthorized use of these funds by the borrower since the borrower does not have access to the funds. When an approved Section 538 lender lends funds to an existing Section 515 financed property, this brings 7 CFR 3560.306 and 3565.402 into conflict, pitting the requirement for the Agency to countersignature for funds pursuant to § 3560.306, against the requirement that lenders have unfettered control of funds pursuant to § 3565.402. GRRHP loan guarantees are sold on the secondary market as long as the loan is closed and is not in default. In most cases, the Section 538 loans on Section 515 financed properties are transferred VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 Aug 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 to Ginnie Mae. Ginnie Mae requires that property reserve accounts be pledged as collateral for the loan and that it has unfettered access to those accounts. In order to meet this secondary market requirement, the reserve accounts must be titled exclusively in the lender’s name. In order to meet Ginnie Mae’s requirements, the reserve accounts cannot be countersigned with any other party. Requiring the Agency’s signature on all withdrawals ensures that the borrower does not have uncontrolled use of the funds and this requirement will remain unchanged for properties that only have Section 515 direct loans. This amendment would relieve the Agency of its countersignature responsibility for properties with Section 538 funding; the Agency’s interest in the reserve accounts would still be protected by the change in the regulation, since the lender is required to get prior Agency approval before funds disbursement. Therefore, funds from the lender-controlled reserve account cannot be used for items not agreed to by the Agency. Additionally, RHS proposes to amend 7 CFR 3560.306(g) to clarify that reserve account funds cannot be used to pay fees associated with the loan guarantee. Lenders are currently using the Replacement Reserve account to pay fees associated with the loan guarantee, i.e., the annual renewal fee. These fees are considered a project expense and must be paid from the operating account, not the replacement reserve account. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3560 Accounting, Accounting servicing, Administrative practice and procedure, Aged, Farm labor housing, Foreclosure, Grant programs—Housing and community development, Government acquired property, Government property management, Handicapped, Insurance, Loan programs—Agriculture, Loan programs—Housing and community development, Low and moderate income housing, Low and moderate income housing—Rental, Migrant labor, Mortgages, Nonprofit organizations, Public housing, Rent subsidies, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Rural housing, Sale of Government acquired property, Surplus Government property. Therefore, chapter XXXV, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, is proposed to be amended as follows: PART 3560—DIRECT MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS 1. The authority citation for Part 3560 continues to read as follows: ■ PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1480. Subpart G—Financial Management 2. Amend § 3560.306 by revising paragraph (e)(2) and adding paragraph (g)(5) to read as follows: ■ § 3560.306 Reserve account. * * * * * (e) * * * (2) Reserve accounts must be supervised accounts that require Agency countersignatures on all withdrawals; except, this requirement is not applicable when loan funds guaranteed by the Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) are used for the construction and/or rehabilitation of a Section 515 project. Section 515 Rural Rental Housing borrowers who are exempted from the supervised account and countersignature requirement, as described above, must follow Section 538 GRRHP regulatory requirements pertaining to reserve accounts. In all cases, Section 538 lenders must get prior written approval from the Agency before reserve account funds involving a Section 515 project can be disbursed to the borrower. * * * * * (g) * * * (5) Funds from the replacement reserve account cannot be used to pay any fees associated with the Section 538 GRRHP loan guarantee, as determined by the Agency. * * * * * Dated: July 11, 2014. Tony Hernandez, Administrator, Rural Housing Service. [FR Doc. 2014–19086 Filed 8–12–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0524; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–042–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13AUP1.SGM 13AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 156 / Wednesday, August 13, 2014 / Proposed Rules prompted by reports of corrosion in the low-rate discharge tubes of the fire protection system leading to the forward baggage compartment, and perforation of one or more tubes. This proposed AD would require repetitive checks for leakage of the discharge tubes of the fire protection system. This proposed AD also mandates eventual replacement of all existing aluminum tube assemblies with new, improved corrosion-resistant stainless steel tube assemblies. We are proposing this AD to prevent perforation of the low-rate discharge tubes, which could result in insufficient fire extinguishing agent reaching the forward baggage compartment in the event of a fire, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 29, 2014. 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: 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 view this 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. ADDRESSES: wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0524; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 Aug 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 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, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 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–2014–0524; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–042–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–2014–06, dated January 21, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC–8–400, –401, and –402 airplanes. The MCAI states: Corrosion has been reported in the fire protection system low rate discharge tubes leading to the forward baggage compartment. In some cases, this has led to perforation of one or more tubes. Perforation of forward baggage compartment fire protection system tubes may result in decreased effectiveness of the fire protection system in the event of a fire in the forward baggage compartment. This [Canadian] AD mandates a repetitive integrity check of the forward baggage compartment fire protection system tube assemblies, and the replacement of aluminum forward baggage compartment fire protection tube assemblies with corrosion resistant stainless steel (CRES) tubes. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 47385 The unsafe condition is perforation of the low-rate discharge tubes, which could result in insufficient fire extinguishing agent reaching the forward baggage compartment and reduce the capability of the fire protection system to extinguish fires, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0524. Relevant Service Information Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84–26–15, Revision A, dated January 15, 2014. 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. ‘‘Contacting the Manufacturer’’ Paragraph in This Proposed AD Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled ‘‘Airworthy Product’’ in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD based on a foreign authority’s AD. We have become aware that some operators have misunderstood or misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to allow the owner/operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer as approval of deviations during the accomplishment of an ADmandated action. The Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or other information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request the approval for an alternative method of compliance E:\FR\FM\13AUP1.SGM 13AUP1 47386 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 156 / Wednesday, August 13, 2014 / Proposed Rules wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS to the AD-required actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed the paragraph and retitled it ‘‘Contacting the Manufacturer.’’ This paragraph now clarifies that for any requirement in this proposed AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the FAA, TCCA, or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. The DAO signature indicates that the data and information contained in the document are TCCA-approved, which is also FAAapproved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer that do not contain the DAO-authorized signature approval are not TCCA-approved, unless TCCA directly approves the manufacturer’s message or other information. This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in manufacturers’ service instructions that are ‘‘Required for Compliance’’ with ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to implement this recommendation. But once we determine that an action is required, any deviation from the requirement must be approved as an alternative method of compliance. We also have decided not to include a generic reference to either the ‘‘delegated agent’’ or ‘‘design approval holder (DAH) with State of Design Authority design organization approval,’’ but instead we have provided the specific delegation approval granted by the State of Design Authority for the DAH throughout this AD. product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $936,604, or $11,422 per product. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 82 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 42 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $7,852 per Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 Aug 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2014– 0524; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM– 042–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 29, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC–8–400, –401, and –402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001 through 4424 inclusive. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire protection. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion in the low-rate discharge tubes of the fire protection system leading to the forward baggage compartment, and perforation of one or more tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent perforation of the low-rate discharge tubes, which could result in insufficient fire extinguishing agent reaching the forward baggage compartment in the event of a fire, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Repetitive Inspections At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, perform an inspection (integrity check) for leakage of the fire protection tube assemblies of the forward baggage compartment, in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–26–15, Revision A, dated January 15, 2014. If no leakage is found, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first. If any leakage is found, before further flight, do the terminating action required by paragraph (h) of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 10,000 total flight hours or more, or have been in service for 60 months or more as of the effective date of this AD: Within 2,000 flight hours or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 10,000 total flight hours, and have E:\FR\FM\13AUP1.SGM 13AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 156 / Wednesday, August 13, 2014 / Proposed Rules been in service for less than 60 months, as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight hours or 72 months in service, whichever occurs first. (h) Terminating Action At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD: Replace all existing aluminum tube assemblies of the forward baggage compartment with new, improved corrosion-resistant stainless steel tube assemblies, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–26–15, Revision A, dated January 15, 2014, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. Accomplishing this replacement terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 12,000 total flight hours or more, or have been in service for 72 months or more, as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 12,000 total flight hours, and have been in service for less than 72 months, as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 18,000 total flight hours or 108 months in service, whichever occurs first. (i) Alternative to Replacement for Failed Integrity Check As an alternative to the immediate tube assembly replacement following any failed inspection (integrity check) required by paragraph (g) of this AD, the airplane may be returned to service for a maximum of 10 days, provided the conditions specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD are met. (1) The forward baggage compartment is empty. For ballast purposes, the use of bags (made of glass fiber or Kevlar) of sand or ingots of non-magnetic metals (such as lead) are acceptable. (2) The flight compartment and forward baggage compartment are placarded to indicate the forward baggage compartment is inoperative. (3) An appropriate entry in the aircraft maintenance log is made. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (j) Exception to Service Information The electrical bonding resistance check of the high rate discharge bottle, as identified in Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–26–15, Revision A, dated January 15, 2014, is not required by this AD. (k) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, as applicable, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–26–15, dated June 7, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. 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 New York ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–794–553. 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, ANE–170, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAOauthorized signature. (m) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–2014–06, dated January 21, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–0524. (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 view this 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 July 30, 2014. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–19153 Filed 8–12–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P (l) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 Aug 12, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 47387 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0525; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–235–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330–300 and A340–200 and –300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of substantial inner skin disbonding damage found on a rudder. This proposed AD would require performing an inspection for damage of certain rudders, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damage of the rudder, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the rudder. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 29, 2014. SUMMARY: 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: 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 Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this 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. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\13AUP1.SGM 13AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 156 (Wednesday, August 13, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47384-47387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-19153]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0524; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-042-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was

[[Page 47385]]

prompted by reports of corrosion in the low-rate discharge tubes of the 
fire protection system leading to the forward baggage compartment, and 
perforation of one or more tubes. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive checks for leakage of the discharge tubes of the fire 
protection system. This proposed AD also mandates eventual replacement 
of all existing aluminum tube assemblies with new, improved corrosion-
resistant stainless steel tube assemblies. We are proposing this AD to 
prevent perforation of the low-rate discharge tubes, which could result 
in insufficient fire extinguishing agent reaching the forward baggage 
compartment in the event of a fire, which could result in damage to the 
airplane and injury to the occupants.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 29, 
2014.

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: 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 view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0524; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
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, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 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-2014-0524; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-042-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-
2014-06, dated January 21, 2014 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-
400, -401, and -402 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Corrosion has been reported in the fire protection system low 
rate discharge tubes leading to the forward baggage compartment. In 
some cases, this has led to perforation of one or more tubes.
    Perforation of forward baggage compartment fire protection 
system tubes may result in decreased effectiveness of the fire 
protection system in the event of a fire in the forward baggage 
compartment.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates a repetitive integrity check of the 
forward baggage compartment fire protection system tube assemblies, 
and the replacement of aluminum forward baggage compartment fire 
protection tube assemblies with corrosion resistant stainless steel 
(CRES) tubes.

    The unsafe condition is perforation of the low-rate discharge 
tubes, which could result in insufficient fire extinguishing agent 
reaching the forward baggage compartment and reduce the capability of 
the fire protection system to extinguish fires, possibly resulting in 
damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. You may examine the 
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0524.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-26-15, Revision A, dated 
January 15, 2014. 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.

``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in This Proposed AD

    Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled 
``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD 
based on a foreign authority's AD.
    We have become aware that some operators have misunderstood or 
misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to allow the owner/
operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer as approval of 
deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated action. The 
Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or other 
information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the 
requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product 
paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer 
for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not 
cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-
required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request 
the approval for an alternative method of compliance

[[Page 47386]]

to the AD-required actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the 
Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed the paragraph and retitled 
it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now clarifies that 
for any requirement in this proposed AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the FAA, TCCA, or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval 
Organization (DAO).
    The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature. The DAO signature indicates that the data and information 
contained in the document are TCCA-approved, which is also FAA-
approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer 
that do not contain the DAO-authorized signature approval are not TCCA-
approved, unless TCCA directly approves the manufacturer's message or 
other information.
    This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded 
by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA 
policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This 
is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness 
Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase 
flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in 
manufacturers' service instructions that are ``Required for 
Compliance'' with ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to 
implement this recommendation. But once we determine that an action is 
required, any deviation from the requirement must be approved as an 
alternative method of compliance.
    We also have decided not to include a generic reference to either 
the ``delegated agent'' or ``design approval holder (DAH) with State of 
Design Authority design organization approval,'' but instead we have 
provided the specific delegation approval granted by the State of 
Design Authority for the DAH throughout this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 82 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 42 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $7,852 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $936,604, or $11,422 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);
    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.

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2014-0524; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-042-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 29, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -
402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001 
through 4424 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire 
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion in the low-rate 
discharge tubes of the fire protection system leading to the forward 
baggage compartment, and perforation of one or more tubes. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent perforation of the low-rate discharge 
tubes, which could result in insufficient fire extinguishing agent 
reaching the forward baggage compartment in the event of a fire, 
which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to the 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) 
of this AD, perform an inspection (integrity check) for leakage of 
the fire protection tube assemblies of the forward baggage 
compartment, in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-26-15, Revision A, 
dated January 15, 2014. If no leakage is found, repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours or 12 
months, whichever occurs first. If any leakage is found, before 
further flight, do the terminating action required by paragraph (h) 
of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 10,000 total flight 
hours or more, or have been in service for 60 months or more as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 2,000 flight hours or 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 10,000 total 
flight hours, and have

[[Page 47387]]

been in service for less than 60 months, as of the effective date of 
this AD: Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight hours or 72 
months in service, whichever occurs first.

(h) Terminating Action

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) 
of this AD: Replace all existing aluminum tube assemblies of the 
forward baggage compartment with new, improved corrosion-resistant 
stainless steel tube assemblies, in accordance with Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-26-15, 
Revision A, dated January 15, 2014, except as provided by paragraph 
(j) of this AD. Accomplishing this replacement terminates the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 12,000 total flight 
hours or more, or have been in service for 72 months or more, as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 12,000 total 
flight hours, and have been in service for less than 72 months, as 
of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 18,000 
total flight hours or 108 months in service, whichever occurs first.

(i) Alternative to Replacement for Failed Integrity Check

    As an alternative to the immediate tube assembly replacement 
following any failed inspection (integrity check) required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, the airplane may be returned to service 
for a maximum of 10 days, provided the conditions specified in 
paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD are met.
    (1) The forward baggage compartment is empty. For ballast 
purposes, the use of bags (made of glass fiber or Kevlar) of sand or 
ingots of non-magnetic metals (such as lead) are acceptable.
    (2) The flight compartment and forward baggage compartment are 
placarded to indicate the forward baggage compartment is 
inoperative.
    (3) An appropriate entry in the aircraft maintenance log is 
made.

(j) Exception to Service Information

    The electrical bonding resistance check of the high rate 
discharge bottle, as identified in Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-26-15, Revision A, 
dated January 15, 2014, is not required by this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, as applicable, if those actions 
were performed before the effective date of this AD using Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-26-15, dated June 7, 2013, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(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 New York ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, 
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 
516-794-553. 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, 
ANE-170, Engine and Propeller Directorate, FAA; or Transport Canada 
Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval 
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must 
include the DAO-authorized signature.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-06, dated January 
21, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0524.
    (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 view this 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 July 30, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-19153 Filed 8-12-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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