Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes, 73957-73960 [2015-29855]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 228 / Friday, November 27, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015–0130, dated
July 7, 2015; and DAHER–SOCATA TB
Aircraft Recommended Service Bulletin SB
10–152, dated May 2013, for related
information. The MCAI can be found in the
AD docket on the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3642-0001.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) DAHER–SOCATA TB Aircraft
Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 10–152,
Amendment 1, dated April 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For SOCATA service information
identified in this AD, contact SOCATA
NORTH AMERICA, North Perry Airport, 601
NE 10 Street, Pompano Beach, Florida 33060;
phone: (954) 366–3331; Internet: https://
www.socatanorthamerica.com/default.htm.
(4) 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. In addition, you can access
this service information on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–3642.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
November 17, 2015.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–29876 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am]
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3073; Directorate
Identifier 2015–CE–017–AD; Amendment
39–18334; AD 2015–24–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air
Limited Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Viking
Air Limited Model DHC–3 Airplanes.
This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) issued by an aviation authority
of another country to identify and
correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes
the unsafe condition as corrugation
cracking found at various wing stations
and on the main spar lower cap. We are
issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective January 4,
2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of January 4, 2016.
ADDRESSES: 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 Document
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in
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/servicebulletins. 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. It is also available on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA–2015–
3073.
DATES:
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73957
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:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to add an AD that would apply
to Viking Air Limited Model DHC–3
airplane. The NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on July 28, 2015
(80 FR 44892). The NPRM proposed to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products and was based on
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority of another country.
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.
The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-30730002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comment
received on the proposal and the FAA’s
response to the comment.
Request From Viking
Viking has reviewed the FAA NPRM
(80 FR 44892, July 28, 2015) and found
that paragraph (f)(4) is not applicable or
relevant to Viking SB V3/0002 Revision
C. All cycle information is with respect
to the wing. Viking noted that it is
important to make the distinction
between the airplane and the wings. The
possibility has come to Viking’s
attention that some operators may rotate
wings within their airplane fleet.
Additionally, the Model DHC–3
airplane nominal cycles to hours ratio
used by Viking is 1.33 cycles per hour.
In most cases, Viking would consider an
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average flight length to be 45 minutes.
Therefore, Viking recommends that the
calculation of the proposed AD
paragraph (f)(4) not be part of the
mandated actions.
We agree and will remove paragraph
(f)(4) of the proposed AD and state in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD that the
operator may contact Viking to help
determine wing flight cycles. We will
also change all reference of ‘‘flight
cycles’’ to ‘‘wing flight cycles.’’ We
redesignated paragraph (f)(5) of the
proposed AD as paragraph (f)(4) of this
AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the change described previously
and minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (80 FR
44892, July 28, 2015) for correcting the
unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 44892,
July 28, 2015).
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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 July
3, 2013. 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this 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 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
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airplane or the cost to repair damaged
parts on each airplane.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
Authority for This Rulemaking
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Regulatory Findings
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective January 4, 2016.
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(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.
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 the NPRM, 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.
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Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2015–24–02 Viking Air Limited:
Amendment 39–18334; Docket No.
FAA–2015–3073; Directorate Identifier
2015–CE–017–AD.
(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 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)(4) of
this AD:
(1) Within 30 days after January 4, 2016
(the effective date of this AD), determine the
accumulated wing flight cycles or wing flight
hours for each wing by contacting Technical
Support at Viking Air Limited. You can find
contact information for Viking Air Limited in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) Within 30 days after January 4, 2016
(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
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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 July 3,
2013.
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD:
STC SA03–50 would be the Canadian
equivalent of the United States (FAA) STC
SA2009NY.
(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
73959
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
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 January 4,
2016 (the effective date of this AD).
If, as of January 4, 2016 (the effective date of
this AD), the airplane has less than 31,200
wing flight 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 flight hours accumulated after the last
inspection or 2,100 wing flight cycles after
the last inspection, whichever occurs first.
Inspect within 800 wing flight hours after January 4, 2016 (the effective date of this AD),
or within 6 months January 4, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs
first.
Inspect upon or before accumulating 32,000
wing flight hours or within 6 months after
January 4, 2016 (the effective date of this
AD), whichever occurs first.
Inspect within 400 wing flight hours accumulated after January 4, 2016 (the effective
date of this AD) or 3 months after January
4, 2016 (the effective date of this AD),
whichever occurs first.
Repetitively inspect not to exceed every 1,600
wing flight hours accumulated after the last
inspection or 2,100 wing flight cycles after
the last inspection, whichever occurs first.
If, as of January 4, 2016 (the effective date of
this AD), the airplane has 31,200 wing flight
hours or more but less than 31,600 wing
flight hours.
If, as of January 4, 2016 (the effective date of
this AD), the airplane has 31,600 wing flight
hours or more.
(4) 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.
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(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
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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, for
related information. The MCAI can be found
in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3073-0002.
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Repetitively inspect not to exceed every 1,600
wing flight hours accumulated after the last
inspection or 2,100 wing flight cycles after
the last inspection, whichever occurs first.
Repetitively inspect not to exceed every 1,600
wing flight hours accumulated after the last
inspection or 2,100 wing flight cycles after
the last inspection, whichever occurs first.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Viking DHC–3 Otter Service Bulletin
No. V3/0002, Revision ‘‘C’’, dated April 30,
2014.
(ii) Viking DHC–3 Otter Service Bulletin 3–
STC (03–50)–001, Revision ‘‘NC’’, dated July
3, 2013.
(3) For Viking Air Limited service
information identified in 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.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
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the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
November 16, 2015.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–29855 Filed 11–25–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0928; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–040–AD; Amendment
39–18333; AD 2015–24–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter,
A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, A340–
300, A340–500, and A340–600 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report of skin disbonding on a
composite side panel of a rudder
installed on an A310 airplane. This AD
requires a review of the maintenance
records of the rudder to determine if any
composite side shell panel repair has
been done; a thermography inspection
limited to the repair areas or complete
side shells, as applicable, to identify
possible in-service rudder repairs,
damages, or fluid ingress; and
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct the rudder skin
disbonding, which could affect the
structural integrity of the rudder, and
could result in reduced controllability
of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
January 4, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of January 4, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0928 or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
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SUMMARY:
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30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC.
For service information identified in
this 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. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0928.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Model A330–200
Freighter, A330–200, A330–300, A340–
200, A340–300, A340–500, and A340–
600 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
December 29, 2014 (79 FR 77972).
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2014–0033, dated February 4,
2014 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Model A330–200 Freighter, A330–200,
A330–300, A340–200, A340–300, A340–
500, and A340–600 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
A case of skin disbonding was reported on
a composite side panel of a rudder installed
on an A310 aeroplane.
The investigation results revealed that this
disbonding started from a skin panel area
previously repaired in-service in accordance
with the Structural Repair Manual (SRM).
The initial damage has been identified as
a disbonding between the core and skin of
the repaired area. This damage may not be
visually detectable and likely propagates
during normal operation due to the variation
of pressure during ground-air-ground cycles.
Composite rudder side shell panels are also
installed on A330 and A340 aeroplanes,
which may have been repaired in-service
using a similar method.
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This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could affect the structural integrity
of the rudder, possibly resulting in reduced
control of the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires a one-time
thermography inspection of a repaired rudder
or a rudder whose maintenance records are
incomplete and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective and
follow-up actions [including repetitive
inspections].
The related investigative actions in
this AD include, as applicable, an
ultrasonic inspection, an elasticity
laminate checker inspection, a tap test
inspection, detailed inspections, and
thermography inspections, and
ventilation of the core. The repetitive
inspections include detailed inspections
and thermography inspections. The
corrective actions in this AD include
repairs.
The compliance time for the related
investigative actions is before further
flight after accomplishing the applicable
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)
or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
The intervals for the repetitive
inspections are either 900 flight hours or
1,000 flight cycles, depending on the
applicable conditions identified in the
service information.
The compliance times for the
corrective actions range, depending on
the applicable conditions identified in
the service information, from before
further flight to within 4,500 flight
cycles but not to exceed 24 months after
accomplishing the applicable inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2)(ii)
of this AD.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-09280002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM (79 FR 77972,
December 29, 2014) and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Request To Use the Latest Service
Information
American Airlines (AAL) and Delta
Airlines (DAL) requested that we revise
the NPRM (79 FR 77972, December 29,
2014) to cite the latest service
information.
We agree with the commenters’
request. Airbus has issued Airbus
Service Bulletin A330–55–3043,
Revision 1, dated August 20, 2014,
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–55–4039,
Revision 1, dated August 20, 2014, and
Airbus Service Bulletin A340–55–5007,
E:\FR\FM\27NOR1.SGM
27NOR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73957-73960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29855]
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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;
Amendment 39-18334; AD 2015-24-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Viking
Air Limited Model DHC-3 Airplanes. This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as corrugation cracking found at various wing stations and on
the main spar lower cap. We are issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 4,
2016.
ADDRESSES: 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 Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in 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
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.
It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA-2015-3073.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to add an AD that would apply to Viking Air Limited Model DHC-3
airplane. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on July 28,
2015 (80 FR 44892). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition
for the specified products and was based on mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country. 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.
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3073-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to the comment.
Request From Viking
Viking has reviewed the FAA NPRM (80 FR 44892, July 28, 2015) and
found that paragraph (f)(4) is not applicable or relevant to Viking SB
V3/0002 Revision C. All cycle information is with respect to the wing.
Viking noted that it is important to make the distinction between the
airplane and the wings. The possibility has come to Viking's attention
that some operators may rotate wings within their airplane fleet.
Additionally, the Model DHC-3 airplane nominal cycles to hours ratio
used by Viking is 1.33 cycles per hour. In most cases, Viking would
consider an
[[Page 73958]]
average flight length to be 45 minutes. Therefore, Viking recommends
that the calculation of the proposed AD paragraph (f)(4) not be part of
the mandated actions.
We agree and will remove paragraph (f)(4) of the proposed AD and
state in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD that the operator may contact
Viking to help determine wing flight cycles. We will also change all
reference of ``flight cycles'' to ``wing flight cycles.'' We
redesignated paragraph (f)(5) of the proposed AD as paragraph (f)(4) of
this AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD with the change described previously and minor editorial changes. We
have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (80 FR 44892, July 28, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 44892, July 28, 2015).
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 July 3, 2013. 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this 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 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, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(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.
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 the NPRM, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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:
2015-24-02 Viking Air Limited: Amendment 39-18334; Docket No. FAA-
2015-3073; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-017-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 4,
2016.
(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 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)(4) of this AD:
(1) Within 30 days after January 4, 2016 (the effective date of
this AD), determine the accumulated wing flight cycles or wing
flight hours for each wing by contacting Technical Support at Viking
Air Limited. You can find contact information for Viking Air Limited
in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) Within 30 days after January 4, 2016 (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
[[Page 73959]]
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 July 3, 2013.
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this AD: STC SA03-50 would be
the Canadian equivalent of the United States (FAA) STC SA2009NY.
(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 inspect
0002, Revision ``A'', dated inspection is not not to exceed every
February 22, 2013; or required since the 1,600 wing flight
Viking Air Limited SB V3/ inspection was hours accumulated
0002, Revision ``B'', dated accomplished while after the last
July 3, 2013; were complied complying with inspection or 2,100
with prior to January 4, Revision ``A'' or wing flight cycles
2016 (the effective date of ``B'' of Viking Air after the last
this AD). Limited SB V3/0002. inspection,
whichever occurs
first.
If, as of January 4, 2016 Inspect within 800 Repetitively inspect
(the effective date of this wing flight hours not to exceed every
AD), the airplane has less after January 4, 1,600 wing flight
than 31,200 wing flight 2016 (the effective hours accumulated
hours. date of this AD), after the last
or within 6 months inspection or 2,100
January 4, 2016 wing flight cycles
(the effective date after the last
of this AD), inspection,
whichever occurs whichever occurs
first. first.
If, as of January 4, 2016 Inspect upon or Repetitively inspect
(the effective date of this before accumulating not to exceed every
AD), the airplane has 32,000 wing flight 1,600 wing flight
31,200 wing flight hours or hours or within 6 hours accumulated
more but less than 31,600 months after after the last
wing flight hours. January 4, 2016 inspection or 2,100
(the effective date wing flight cycles
of this AD), after the last
whichever occurs inspection,
first. whichever occurs
first.
If, as of January 4, 2016 Inspect within 400 Repetitively inspect
(the effective date of this wing flight hours not to exceed every
AD), the airplane has accumulated after 1,600 wing flight
31,600 wing flight hours or January 4, 2016 hours accumulated
more. (the effective date after the last
of this AD) or 3 inspection or 2,100
months after wing flight cycles
January 4, 2016 after the last
(the effective date inspection,
of this AD), whichever occurs
whichever occurs first.
first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) 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, for related information. The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-3073-0002.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin No. V3/0002, Revision
``C'', dated April 30, 2014.
(ii) Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin 3-STC (03-50)-001,
Revision ``NC'', dated July 3, 2013.
(3) For Viking Air Limited service information identified in
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.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on
[[Page 73960]]
the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 16, 2015.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-29855 Filed 11-25-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
