Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes, 31493-31496 [2018-13925]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 130 / Friday, July 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules
31493
found: Before further flight, re-connect the
connectors to the appropriate mating
connecters and do an operational test of the
fire extinguishing system, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information specified in
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the local
flight standards district office/certificate
holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
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Federal Aviation Administration
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
Airworthiness Directive CF–2018–08R1,
dated March 2, 2018, for related information.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2018–0585.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact John DeLuca, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Administrative Services
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516–228–7369; fax 516–
794–5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(3) For service information identified in
ˆ
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´
Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–
855–7401; email thd.crj@
aero.bombardier.com; internet https://
www.bombardier.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June
25, 2018.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–14401 Filed 7–5–18; 8:45 am]
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0553; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–138–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc., Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt an
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC–8–102,
–103, and –106 airplanes, Model DHC–
8–200 series airplanes, and Model DHC–
8–300 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by reports of arcing
and smoke emanating from the
windshield, caused by loose or damaged
windshield heater terminal lugs. This
proposed AD would require revising the
maintenance or inspection program to
incorporate maintenance review board
(MRB) tasks for general visual
inspections of the windshield moisture
seal. This proposed AD would also
require re-torqueing the windshield
heater terminal lugs, applying a coating
to the windshield heater screw heads,
doing a chemical cleaning of the wiring
and components, doing a visual
inspection of the wiring and
components, doing an operational test
of the pilot’s and co-pilot’s windshield
heating system, and repair if necessary.
SUMMARY:
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This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using the applicable service
information listed in paragraphs (h)(1)
through (h)(4) of this AD.
(1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–
1A11–26–004, dated December 28, 2017.
(2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–26–
011, dated December 28, 2017.
(3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–26–
5003, dated December 28, 2017.
(4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700–26–
6003, dated December 28, 2017.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 130 / Friday, July 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules
We are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 20, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc., QSeries Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5,
Canada; telephone 416–375–4000; fax
416–375–4539; email thd.qseries@
aero.bombardier.com; internet https://
www.bombardier.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Examining the AD Docket
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0553; 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 NPRM, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Administrative Services
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–
228–7301; fax 516–794–5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2018–0553; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–138–AD’’ at the beginning of your
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comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM based
on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this NPRM.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada, has issued Canadian AD
CF–2017–25, dated July 31, 2017
(referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc.,
Model DHC–8–102, –103, and –106
airplanes, Model DHC–8–200 series
airplanes, and Model DHC–8–300 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:
There have been several reports of arcing
and smoke emanating from the windshields.
Investigation of these incidents revealed that
de-icing fluid and water could enter between
the windshields and side window posts,
leading to possible damage of the windshield
heater terminal lugs creating arcing and
smoke. In addition, investigation also
revealed that the windshield heater terminal
lugs tend to loosen over time. Loose terminal
lugs could also have a similar effect of arcing
and smoke. Both events could lead to
burning of the lugs and, due to the excessive
heat, cracking of the windshields. If not
corrected, these conditions could cause a loss
of cabin pressure resulting in an emergency
descent.
Required actions include revising the
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate MRB tasks for
general visual inspections of the
windshield moisture seal (for signs of
cracking, erosion, wear, or other
damage), re-torqueing the windshield
heater terminal lugs, applying sealant to
the windshield heater screw heads,
doing a chemical cleaning of the wiring
and components, doing a general visual
inspection of the wiring and
components for signs of cracking,
erosion, wear, or other damage, doing an
operational test of the pilot’s and copilot’s windshield heating system, and
repair if necessary.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0553.
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Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Bombardier has issued Service
Bulletin 8–30–41, Revision A, dated
March 24, 2017. This service
information describes procedures for retorqueing the windshield heater
terminal lugs and applying Humisel
coating to the screw heads of the
windshield heater, doing a chemical
cleaning and general visual inspection
of the wiring and components, and
doing an operational test of the
windshield heating system.
Bombardier has also issued the
following service information, which
describes airworthiness limitation tasks
for a general visual inspection of the
windshield moisture seal. These
documents are distinct since they apply
to different airplane models.
• de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100
Maintenance Task Card, Task Number
5610/01, ‘‘General Visual Inspection of
the Windshield Moisture Seal,’’ dated
August 5, 2017.
• de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200
Maintenance Task Card, Task Number
5610/01, ‘‘General Visual Inspection of
the Windshield Moisture Seal,’’ dated
August 5, 2017.
• de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300
Maintenance Task Card, Task Number
5610/01, ‘‘General Visual Inspection of
the Windshield Moisture Seal,’’ dated
March 15, 2017.
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.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI calls for revising the
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, by incorporating certain
temporary revisions (TRs) into the
Program Support Manual (PSM). This
proposed AD instead calls for
incorporating certain task cards into the
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 130 / Friday, July 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules
Costs of Compliance
PSM. We have determined that these
task cards address the unsafe condition
in the same manner that the TRs would.
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 63 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ..........................................................................................
We have also determined that revising
the maintenance or inspection program
takes an average of 90 work-hours per
operator, although we recognize that
this number may vary from operator to
operator. In the past, we have estimated
that this action takes 1 work-hour per
airplane. Since operators incorporate
maintenance or inspection program
changes for their affected fleet(s), we
have determined that a per-operator
estimate is more accurate than a perairplane estimate. Therefore, we
estimate the total cost per operator to be
$7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per workhour).
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD.
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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.
This proposed AD is issued in
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft
Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance
and Airworthiness Division, but during
this transition period, the Executive
Director has delegated the authority to
issue ADs applicable to transport
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
category airplanes to the Director of the
System Oversight Division.
$16,065
(b) Affected ADs
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.
$255
Cost on U.S.
operators
(c) Applicability
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2018–
0553; Product Identifier 2017–NM–138–
AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 20,
2018.
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None.
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc.,
Model DHC–8–102, –103, –106, –201, –202,
–301, –311, and –315 airplanes, certificated
in any category, serial numbers 003 through
672 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 30, Ice and rain protection.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of arcing
and smoke emanating from the windshield,
caused by loose or damaged windshield
heater terminal lugs. We are issuing this AD
to address loose terminal lugs and terminal
lugs damaged due to fluid ingress between
the windshields and side window posts,
which could lead to burning of the lugs and
cracking of the windshields, and could
ultimately cause a loss of cabin pressure,
resulting in an emergency descent.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program
Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate the
applicable task cards identified in paragraphs
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD into the
applicable Program Support Manual (PSM) as
identified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this
AD. The initial compliance time for the tasks
are within 1,600 flight hours or 12 months,
whichever occurs first after the effective date
of this AD.
(1) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100
Maintenance Task Card, Task Number 5610/
01, ‘‘General Visual Inspection of the
Windshield Moisture Seal,’’ dated August 5,
2017.
(2) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200
Maintenance Task Card, Task Number 5610/
01, ‘‘General Visual Inspection of the
Windshield Moisture Seal,’’ dated August 5,
2017.
(3) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300
Maintenance Task Card, Task Number 5610/
01, ‘‘General Visual Inspection of the
Windshield Moisture Seal,’’ dated March 15,
2017.
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(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be
used unless the actions or intervals are
approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD.
(i) Cleaning, Inspection, Re-Torqueing,
Sealant Application, and Operational Test
Within 8,000 flight hours or 60 months,
whichever occurs first after the effective date
of this AD: Perform a chemical cleaning of
the wiring and components, do a general
visual inspection of the wiring and
components for signs of cracking, erosion,
wear, or other damage, re-torque the
windshield heater terminal lugs, apply
Humiseal coating to the screw heads of the
windshield heater, and do an operational test
of the pilot’s and co-pilot’s windshield
heating system, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 8–30–41, Revision A, dated
March 24, 2017. If the operational test fails,
before further flight, do corrective actions,
repeat the test, and do applicable corrective
actions until the operational test is passed. If
any cracking, erosion, wear, or other damage
is found, before further flight, repair using a
method approved by the Manager, New York
ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil
Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA
Design Approval Organization (DAO). If
approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature.
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(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions
required by paragraph (i) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Bombardier Service
Bulletin 8–30–41, dated March 31, 2016.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the certification office,
send it to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New
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York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the local
flight standards district office/certificate
holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc,’s TCCA
DAO. If approved by the DAO, the approval
must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
AD CF–2017–25, dated July 31, 2017, for
related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0553.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Assata Dessaline, Aerospace
Engineer, Avionics and Administrative
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–
7301; fax 516–794–5531.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series
Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada;
telephone 416–375–4000; fax 416–375–4539;
email thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com;
internet https://www.bombardier.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June
14, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–13925 Filed 7–5–18; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0586; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–151–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc., Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC–8–300
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports indicating that a
certain emergency exit door could not
be opened during maintenance. This
proposed AD would require a detailed
inspection of the ball bearings of an
emergency exit, replacement of bearings
if necessary, application of corrosion
inhibiting compound (CIC), and revision
of the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 20, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc., QSeries Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt
SUMMARY:
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31496
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 130 (Friday, July 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31493-31496]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13925]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0553; Product Identifier 2017-NM-138-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt an airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes,
Model DHC-8-200 series airplanes, and Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating
from the windshield, caused by loose or damaged windshield heater
terminal lugs. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance
or inspection program to incorporate maintenance review board (MRB)
tasks for general visual inspections of the windshield moisture seal.
This proposed AD would also require re-torqueing the windshield heater
terminal lugs, applying a coating to the windshield heater screw heads,
doing a chemical cleaning of the wiring and components, doing a visual
inspection of the wiring and components, doing an operational test of
the pilot's and co-pilot's windshield heating system, and repair if
necessary.
[[Page 31494]]
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 20, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard,
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-
4539; email [email protected]; internet https://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.
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-2018-
0553; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer,
Avionics and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch,
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7301; fax 516-794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0553;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-138-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this NPRM.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2017-25, dated July 31,
2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes,
Model DHC-8-200 series airplanes, and Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes.
The MCAI states:
There have been several reports of arcing and smoke emanating
from the windshields. Investigation of these incidents revealed that
de-icing fluid and water could enter between the windshields and
side window posts, leading to possible damage of the windshield
heater terminal lugs creating arcing and smoke. In addition,
investigation also revealed that the windshield heater terminal lugs
tend to loosen over time. Loose terminal lugs could also have a
similar effect of arcing and smoke. Both events could lead to
burning of the lugs and, due to the excessive heat, cracking of the
windshields. If not corrected, these conditions could cause a loss
of cabin pressure resulting in an emergency descent.
Required actions include revising the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate MRB tasks for general visual
inspections of the windshield moisture seal (for signs of cracking,
erosion, wear, or other damage), re-torqueing the windshield heater
terminal lugs, applying sealant to the windshield heater screw heads,
doing a chemical cleaning of the wiring and components, doing a general
visual inspection of the wiring and components for signs of cracking,
erosion, wear, or other damage, doing an operational test of the
pilot's and co-pilot's windshield heating system, and repair if
necessary.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0553.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 8-30-41, Revision A, dated
March 24, 2017. This service information describes procedures for re-
torqueing the windshield heater terminal lugs and applying Humisel
coating to the screw heads of the windshield heater, doing a chemical
cleaning and general visual inspection of the wiring and components,
and doing an operational test of the windshield heating system.
Bombardier has also issued the following service information, which
describes airworthiness limitation tasks for a general visual
inspection of the windshield moisture seal. These documents are
distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card, Task
Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield Moisture
Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.
de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card, Task
Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield Moisture
Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.
de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card, Task
Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield Moisture
Seal,'' dated March 15, 2017.
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.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information
The MCAI calls for revising the maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, by incorporating certain temporary revisions (TRs) into
the Program Support Manual (PSM). This proposed AD instead calls for
incorporating certain task cards into the
[[Page 31495]]
PSM. We have determined that these task cards address the unsafe
condition in the same manner that the TRs would.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 63 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255.............................. $0 $255 $16,065
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have also determined that revising the maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate.
Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0553; Product Identifier 2017-
NM-138-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 20, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-102, -103, -
106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any
category, serial numbers 003 through 672 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and rain
protection.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating
from the windshield, caused by loose or damaged windshield heater
terminal lugs. We are issuing this AD to address loose terminal lugs
and terminal lugs damaged due to fluid ingress between the
windshields and side window posts, which could lead to burning of
the lugs and cracking of the windshields, and could ultimately cause
a loss of cabin pressure, resulting in an emergency descent.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the
applicable task cards identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and
(g)(3) of this AD into the applicable Program Support Manual (PSM)
as identified in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD. The initial
compliance time for the tasks are within 1,600 flight hours or 12
months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD.
(1) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card, Task
Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield
Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.
(2) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card, Task
Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield
Moisture Seal,'' dated August 5, 2017.
(3) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card, Task
Number 5610/01, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield
Moisture Seal,'' dated March 15, 2017.
[[Page 31496]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06JY18.005
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD.
(i) Cleaning, Inspection, Re-Torqueing, Sealant Application, and
Operational Test
Within 8,000 flight hours or 60 months, whichever occurs first
after the effective date of this AD: Perform a chemical cleaning of
the wiring and components, do a general visual inspection of the
wiring and components for signs of cracking, erosion, wear, or other
damage, re-torque the windshield heater terminal lugs, apply
Humiseal coating to the screw heads of the windshield heater, and do
an operational test of the pilot's and co-pilot's windshield heating
system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-30-41, Revision A, dated March 24,
2017. If the operational test fails, before further flight, do
corrective actions, repeat the test, and do applicable corrective
actions until the operational test is passed. If any cracking,
erosion, wear, or other damage is found, before further flight,
repair using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier,
Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the
DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-30-41, dated
March 31, 2016.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate.
If sending information directly to the manager of the certification
office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district
office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO
Branch, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc,'s TCCA DAO. If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2017-25, dated July 31, 2017, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2018-0553.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Assata
Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Administrative Services
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7301; fax 516-794-5531.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000;
fax 416-375-4539; email [email protected]; internet
https://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at
the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 14, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-13925 Filed 7-5-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
