Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes, 44892-44895 [2015-18304]

Download as PDF 44892 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 144 Tuesday, July 28, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Part 431 [Docket Number EERE–2010–BT–STD– 0003] RIN 1904–AC19 Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Publication of determination. AGENCY: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), as amended, prescribes that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) make a determination on the impact, if any, on the lessening of competition likely to result from a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed rule for energy conservation standards and that DOE publish the determination in the Federal Register. DOE published its final rule for energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment on March 28, 2014, and is publishing DOJ’s November 25, 2013 determination on such proposed rule. DATES: Date of DOJ determination— November 25, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John Cymbalsky, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–1692. Email: walk-in_coolers_and_walk-in_freezers@ EE.Doe.Gov. Ms. Johanna Hariharan, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–6307. Email: Johanna.Hariharan@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 28, 2014 (79 FR 17725), DOE published asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:07 Jul 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 a final rule amending energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment. Those amended standards were determined by DOE to be technologically feasible and economically justified and would result in the significant conservation of energy. The Energy Conservation and Policy Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C.6291, et seq; ‘‘EPCA’’), Public Law 94–163, requires that the Attorney General make a determination and analysis of the impact, if any, of any lessening of competition likely to result from a proposed standard, within 60 days of publication. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(ii)) EPCA also requires that DOE publish the determination and analysis in the Federal Register. Id. DOE received the determination in response to the September 11, 2013 NOPR (78 FR 55781) from the Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on November 25, 2013. DOE is publishing the text of DOJ’s November 25, 2013 determination. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2015. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Antitrust Division WILLIAM J. BAER Assistant Attorney General RFK Main Justice Building 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Washington, DC 20530–0001 (202) 514–2401/(202) 616–2645 (Fax) November 25, 2013 Eric J. Fygi Deputy General Counsel Department of Energy Washington, DC 20585 Dear Deputy General Counsel Fygi: I am responding to your September 24, 2013 letter seeking the views of the Attorney General about the potential impact on competition of proposed energy conservation standards for walkin coolers and refrigerators. Your request was submitted under Section 325(o)(2)(B)(i)(V) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (ECPA), 42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(B)(i)(V), which requires the Attorney General to make a determination of the impact of any lessening of competition that is likely to result from the imposition of proposed energy conservation standards. The Attorney General’s PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 responsibility for responding to requests from other departments about the effect of a program on competition has been delegated to the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division in 28 CFR 0.40(g). In conducting its analysis the Antitrust Division examines whether a proposed standard may lessen competition, for example, by substantially limiting consumer choice, by placing certain manufacturers at an unjustified competitive disadvantage, or by inducing avoidable inefficiencies in production or distribution of particular products. A lessening of competition could result in higher prices to manufacturers and consumers, and perhaps thwart the intent of the revised standards by inducing substitution to less efficient products. We have reviewed the proposed standards contained in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (78 FR 176, September 11, 2013) (NOPR). We have also reviewed supplementary information submitted to the Attorney General by the Department of Energy, including a transcript of the public meeting held on the proposed standards on October 3, 2013. Based on this review, our conclusion is that the proposed energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment are unlikely to have a significant adverse impact on competition. Sincerely, William J. Baer Enclosure [FR Doc. 2015–18530 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–3073; Directorate Identifier 2015–CE–017–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\28JYP1.SGM 28JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Viking Air Limited Model DHC–3 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as reports of corrugation cracking found at various wing stations and on the main spar lower cap. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 11, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax: 250– 656–0673; telephone: (North America) 1–800–663–8444; email: technical.support@vikingair.com; Internet: https://www.vikingair.com/ support/service-bulletins. It is also available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 3073.You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329– 4148. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: 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–2015– 3073; 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 Sep<11>2014 19:07 Jul 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Safety Engineer, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Steward Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228–7329; fax: (516) 794–5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov. 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–2015–3073; Directorate Identifier 2015–CE–017–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued AD No. CF–2015–05, dated March 18, 2015 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for Viking Air Limited Model DHC–3 airplanes. The MCAI states: An operator found cracks on the upper inner wing skin corrugations emanating from the rib attachment points. As a result, Viking Air Limited released Service Bulletin (SB) V3/0002, Revision NC to inspect for possible corrugation cracking between wing stations 34 and 110. Subsequently, operators discovered additional corrugation cracking at multiple wing stations and on the main spar lower cap. These cracks, if not detected and rectified, may compromise the structural integrity of the wing. In order to address this potentially unsafe condition, Viking Air Limited has issued SB V3/0002, Revision C, specifying repetitive internal borescope and visual inspections. This AD is issued to mandate compliance with that SB. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–3073. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 44893 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Viking DHC–3 Otter Service Bulletin No. V3/0002, Revision ‘‘C’’, dated April 30, 2014; and Viking DHC–3 Otter Service Bulletin 3–STC (03–50)-001, Revision ‘‘NC’’, dated April 30, 2014. The service information describes procedures for installing additional wing inspection access panels and inspecting the wings using borescope and visual methods. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 38 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 36 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 $5,000 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $306,280, or $8,060 per product. The scope of damage found in the required inspection could vary significantly from airplane to airplane. We have no way of determining how much damage may be found on each airplane or the cost to repair damaged parts on each airplane. 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, E:\FR\FM\28JYP1.SGM 28JYP1 44894 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: ■ Viking Air Limited: Docket No. FAA–2015– 3073; Directorate Identifier 2015–CE– 017–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by September 11, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Viking Air Limited DHC–3 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as reports of corrugation cracking found at various wing stations and on the main spar lower cap. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect cracking and correct as necessary to address the unsafe condition on these products. (f) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD: (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, determine the accumulated air time for each wing by contacting Technical Support at Viking Air Limited. You can find contact information for Viking Air Limited in paragraph (h) of this AD. (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, determine all installed supplemental type certificates (STC) or modifications affecting the wings. Based on the accumulated air time determined from paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and before the initial inspection required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, install access panels as follows: (i) If the airplane is free of STCs or any other modifications affecting the wings, install additional inspection access panels following the Accomplishment Instructions Part A of Viking DHC–3 Otter Service Bulletin No. V3/0002, Revision ‘‘C’’, dated April 30, 2014. (ii) If the airplane is fitted with STC SA2009NY (which can be found on the internet at: https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_ and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/ F7309B7D9B008C588625734F00730144 ?OpenDocument&Highlight=sa02009ny), incorporate additional inspection access panels following the Accomplishment Instructions of Viking Air Limited SB 3–STC (03–50)–001, Revision ‘‘NC’’, dated April 30, 2014. Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD: STC SA03–50 would be the Canadian equivalent of the United States STC 2A2009NY. (iii) If there are other STCs or modifications affecting the wings the operator must contact the FAA to request an FAA-approved alternative method of compliance using the procedures in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and 14 CFR 39.19. To develop these procedures, we recommend you contact the STC holder for guidance in developing substantiating data. (3) Based on the accumulated air time on the wings determined in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, perform initial and repetitive borescope and visual inspections of both the left-hand and right-hand wing box following Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Viking DHC–3 Otter Service Bulletin V3/ 0002, Revision ‘‘C’’, dated April 30, 2014, using the inspection schedules specified in Table 1 of paragraph (f)(3) of this AD: TABLE 1 OF PARAGRAPH (f)(3) OF THIS AD—INSPECTION SCHEDULE asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Effectivity Initial inspection Repetitive inspection If Viking Air Limited SB V3/0002, Revision ‘‘A’’, dated February 22, 2013; or Viking Air Limited SB V3/0002, Revision ‘‘B’’, dated July 3, 2013; were complied with prior to the effective date of this AD. If, as of the effective date of this AD, the airplane has less than 31,200 wing air time hours. The initial inspection is not required since the inspection was accomplished while complying with Revision ‘‘A’’ or ‘‘B’’ of Viking Air Limited SB V3/0002. Repetitively inspect not to exceed every 1,600 wing air time hours accumulated after the last inspection or 2,100 flight cycles after the last inspection, whichever occurs first. If, as of the effective date of this AD, the airplane has 31,200 hours wing air time or more but less than 31,600 hours wing air time hours. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:07 Jul 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 Inspect within 800 wing air time hours after the effective date of this AD, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Inspect upon or before accumulating 32,000 wing air time hours or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\28JYP1.SGM 28JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules 44895 TABLE 1 OF PARAGRAPH (f)(3) OF THIS AD—INSPECTION SCHEDULE—Continued Initial inspection If, as of the effective date of this AD, the airplane has 31,600 wing air time hours or more. Inspect within 400 wing air time hours accumulated after the effective date of this AD or 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (4) If the total flight cycles have not been kept, multiply the total number of airplane hours time-in-service (TIS) by 2 to calculate the cycles. For the purpose of this AD, some examples are below: (i) .5 hour TIS x 2 = 1 cycle; and (ii) 200 hours TIS x 2 = 400 cycles. (5) If any cracks are found, contact Technical Support at Viking Air Limited for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate the repair before further flight. You can find contact information for Viking Air Limited in paragraph (i) of this AD. The FAA-approved repair must specifically reference this AD. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Effectivity Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (g) Other FAA AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Safety Engineer, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Steward Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228–7329; fax: (516) 794–5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:07 Jul 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 Repetitive inspection (h) Related Information Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF–2015–05, dated March 18, 2015. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–3073. For service information related to this AD, contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax: 250–656–0673; telephone: (North America) 1–800–663–8444; email: technical.support@ vikingair.com; Internet: https:// www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 21, 2015. Pat Mullen, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–18304 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2015–1835; Airspace Docket No. 14–AGL–7] Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Hart/Shelby, MI Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to establish Class E airspace at Hart/ Shelby, MI. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures at Oceana County Airport. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 11, 2015. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must identify the docket number FAA–2015– 1835/Airspace Docket No. 14–AGL–7, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800– 647–5527), is on the ground floor of the building at the above address. FAA Order 7400.9Y, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. The Order is also available for inspection at 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. FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy and Regulations Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: 202–267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebecca Shelby, Central Service Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone: 817–321– 7740. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Authority for This Rulemaking The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the E:\FR\FM\28JYP1.SGM 28JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44892-44895]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18304]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3073; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-017-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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[[Page 44893]]

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Viking Air Limited Model DHC-3 airplanes. This proposed AD results from 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an 
aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as reports of corrugation cracking found at various wing 
stations and on the main spar lower cap. We are issuing this proposed 
AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 11, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, 
British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax: 250-656-0673; telephone: (North 
America) 1-800-663-8444; email: technical.support@vikingair.com; 
Internet: https://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. It is 
also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3073.You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

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-2015-
3073; 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 
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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Safety Engineer, 
FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Steward Avenue, 
suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: 
(516) 794-5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov.

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-2015-3073; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-017-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued AD No. CF-2015-05, dated March 18, 2015 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Viking Air Limited 
Model DHC-3 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An operator found cracks on the upper inner wing skin 
corrugations emanating from the rib attachment points. As a result, 
Viking Air Limited released Service Bulletin (SB) V3/0002, Revision 
NC to inspect for possible corrugation cracking between wing 
stations 34 and 110. Subsequently, operators discovered additional 
corrugation cracking at multiple wing stations and on the main spar 
lower cap.
    These cracks, if not detected and rectified, may compromise the 
structural integrity of the wing. In order to address this 
potentially unsafe condition, Viking Air Limited has issued SB V3/
0002, Revision C, specifying repetitive internal borescope and 
visual inspections. This AD is issued to mandate compliance with 
that SB.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3073.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin No. V3/0002, 
Revision ``C'', dated April 30, 2014; and Viking DHC-3 Otter Service 
Bulletin 3-STC (03-50)-001, Revision ``NC'', dated April 30, 2014. The 
service information describes procedures for installing additional wing 
inspection access panels and inspecting the wings using borescope and 
visual methods. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section 
of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 38 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 36 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 $5,000 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $306,280, or $8,060 per product.
    The scope of damage found in the required inspection could vary 
significantly from airplane to airplane. We have no way of determining 
how much damage may be found on each airplane or the cost to repair 
damaged parts on each airplane.

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,

[[Page 44894]]

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 AD:

Viking Air Limited: Docket No. FAA-2015-3073; Directorate Identifier 
2015-CE-017-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 11, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited DHC-3 airplanes, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as reports of 
corrugation cracking found at various wing stations and on the main 
spar lower cap. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect cracking 
and correct as necessary to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD:
    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
determine the accumulated air time for each wing by contacting 
Technical Support at Viking Air Limited. You can find contact 
information for Viking Air Limited in paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
determine all installed supplemental type certificates (STC) or 
modifications affecting the wings. Based on the accumulated air time 
determined from paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and before the initial 
inspection required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, install access 
panels as follows:
    (i) If the airplane is free of STCs or any other modifications 
affecting the wings, install additional inspection access panels 
following the Accomplishment Instructions Part A of Viking DHC-3 
Otter Service Bulletin No. V3/0002, Revision ``C'', dated April 30, 
2014.
    (ii) If the airplane is fitted with STC SA2009NY (which can be 
found on the internet at: https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/F7309B7D9B008C588625734F00730144?OpenDocument&Highlight=sa02009ny), 
incorporate additional inspection access panels following the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Viking Air Limited SB 3-STC (03-50)-
001, Revision ``NC'', dated April 30, 2014.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD: STC SA03-50 would be 
the Canadian equivalent of the United States STC 2A2009NY.

    (iii) If there are other STCs or modifications affecting the 
wings the operator must contact the FAA to request an FAA-approved 
alternative method of compliance using the procedures in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD and 14 CFR 39.19. To develop these procedures, we 
recommend you contact the STC holder for guidance in developing 
substantiating data.
    (3) Based on the accumulated air time on the wings determined in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, perform initial and repetitive 
borescope and visual inspections of both the left-hand and right-
hand wing box following Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin V3/0002, Revision ``C'', dated 
April 30, 2014, using the inspection schedules specified in Table 1 
of paragraph (f)(3) of this AD:

       Table 1 of Paragraph (f)(3) of This AD--Inspection Schedule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Repetitive
           Effectivity            Initial inspection      inspection
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If Viking Air Limited SB V3/      The initial         Repetitively
 0002, Revision ``A'', dated       inspection is not   inspect not to
 February 22, 2013; or Viking      required since      exceed every
 Air Limited SB V3/0002,           the inspection      1,600 wing air
 Revision ``B'', dated July 3,     was accomplished    time hours
 2013; were complied with prior    while complying     accumulated after
 to the effective date of this     with Revision       the last
 AD.                               ``A'' or ``B'' of   inspection or
                                   Viking Air          2,100 flight
                                   Limited SB V3/      cycles after the
                                   0002.               last inspection,
                                                       whichever occurs
                                                       first.
If, as of the effective date of   Inspect within 800
 this AD, the airplane has less    wing air time
 than 31,200 wing air time hours.  hours after the
                                   effective date of
                                   this AD, or
                                   within 6 months
                                   after the
                                   effective date of
                                   this AD,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   first.
If, as of the effective date of   Inspect upon or
 this AD, the airplane has         before
 31,200 hours wing air time or     accumulating
 more but less than 31,600 hours   32,000 wing air
 wing air time hours.              time hours or
                                   within 6 months
                                   after the
                                   effective date of
                                   this AD,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   first.

[[Page 44895]]

 
If, as of the effective date of   Inspect within 400
 this AD, the airplane has         wing air time
 31,600 wing air time hours or     hours accumulated
 more.                             after the
                                   effective date of
                                   this AD or 3
                                   months after the
                                   effective date of
                                   this AD,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) If the total flight cycles have not been kept, multiply the 
total number of airplane hours time-in-service (TIS) by 2 to 
calculate the cycles. For the purpose of this AD, some examples are 
below:
    (i) .5 hour TIS x 2 = 1 cycle; and
    (ii) 200 hours TIS x 2 = 400 cycles.
    (5) If any cracks are found, contact Technical Support at Viking 
Air Limited for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate the repair 
before further flight. You can find contact information for Viking 
Air Limited in paragraph (i) of this AD. The FAA-approved repair 
must specifically reference this AD.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Safety Engineer, FAA, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Steward Avenue, suite 
410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: (516) 
794-5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

 (h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF-2015-05, dated March 
18, 2015. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2015-3073. For service information related to this AD, contact 
Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, 
British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax: 250-656-0673; telephone: 
(North America) 1-800-663-8444; email: 
technical.support@vikingair.com; Internet: https://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may review this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 21, 2015.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-18304 Filed 7-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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