Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes, 46434-46437 [2019-18965]
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46434
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 4, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
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
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):
■
2019–16–10 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–19713; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0608; Product Identifier
2019–NM–084–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 19, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 787–8 airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–
SB550009–00 RB, Issue 001, dated April 2,
2019.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
possible misalignment of the horizontal
stabilizer pivot pin lock ring, outer pivot pin,
and outboard spacer at final assembly. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address incorrect
installation of the horizontal stabilizer pivot
pin assemblies, which could result in
decreased lateral load capacity, the loss of
pivot pin retention parts, and consequent
loss of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of
control of the airplane.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–
SB550009–00 RB, Issue 001, dated April 2,
2019, do all applicable actions identified in,
and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin B787–81205–SB550009–00 RB, Issue
001, dated April 2, 2019.
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Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin B787–81205–SB550009–00, dated
April 2, 2019, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–
SB550009–00 RB, Issue 001, dated April 2,
2019.
(h) Exception to Service Information
Specifications
For purposes of determining compliance
with the requirements of this AD: Where
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin B787–
81205–SB550009–00 RB, Issue 001, dated
April 2, 2019, uses the phrase ‘‘the Issue 001
date of Requirements Bulletin B787–81205–
SB550009–00 RB,’’ this AD requires using
‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this
AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Greg Rutar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3529; email:
Greg.Rutar@faa.gov.
(k) 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) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
B787–81205–SB550009–00 RB, Issue 001,
dated April 2, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
PO 00000
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MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) 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.
(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 Des Moines, Washington, on
August 16, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–19013 Filed 9–3–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0322; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–039–AD; Amendment
39–19712; AD 2019–16–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
Inc., Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC–8–400
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by reports of cracked elevator power
control unit (PCU) brackets on the
horizontal stabilizer rear spar and
cracking on the elevator front spar. This
AD requires one-time inspections for
cracks and damage of the elevator PCU
brackets and surrounding area,
horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and
elevator front spar, and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 9,
2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of October 9, 2019.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., QSUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 4, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5,
Canada; phone: 416–375–4000; fax:
416–375–4539; email: thd@
dehavilland.com; internet: https://
dehavilland.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.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0322.
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–2019–
0322; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA,
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516–228–7330; fax
516–794–5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model
DHC–8–400 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
May 14, 2019 (84 FR 21268). The NPRM
was prompted by reports of cracked
elevator PCU brackets on the horizontal
stabilizer rear spar and cracking on the
elevator front spar. The NPRM proposed
to require one-time inspections for
cracks and damage of the elevator PCU
brackets and surrounding area,
horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and
elevator front spar, and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
failure of an elevator PCU bracket or
fracture of the front spar into two
segments; either structural failure may
cause a jam in one elevator or a loss of
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airplane pitch control if both elevators
are affected.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA), which is the aviation authority
for Canada, has issued Canadian AD
CF–2018–34, dated December 17, 2018
(referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information,
or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc.,
Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
There have been five in-service reports of
cracked elevator power control unit (PCU)
brackets on the horizontal stabilizer rear spar,
and two reports of cracking on the elevator
front spar. In one case, the PCU bracket
cracking led to detachment of the bracket
during pushback. An investigation found that
the force-fight loads induced by elevator
PCUs not rigged to the required tolerance is
the common factor in cracking of both the
elevator PCU bracket and of the elevator front
spar. A secondary contributor to the elevator
PCU bracket cracking is the bracket flange
preload that may be induced during
production installation. Failure of an elevator
PCU bracket or progression of the elevator
front spar cracking into two segments may
cause the affected elevator to jam. Failure of
an elevator bracket on both elevators, or
progression of elevator front spar cracking
into two segments on both elevators, could
cause a loss of aeroplane pitch control.
This [Canadian] AD mandates a one-time
inspection of the elevator PCU brackets, the
horizontal stabilizer rear spar and elevator
front spar with reporting of inspection
findings. Any brackets found cracked are to
be replaced with new brackets with
improved strength. For any spar found
cracked, obtain instructions to repair the spar
from Bombardier and repair the spar
accordingly. Additional corrective action
may be considered depending on the results
of the inspections findings.
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–2019–
0322.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Request To Remove Certain Service
Information Procedures
Horizon Air requested that the FAA
change the language in the introductory
text of paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
from mandating ‘‘the Accomplishment
Instructions’’ in the service information
to mandating only the section that
corrects the unsafe condition. Horizon
Air stated that the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part A, ‘‘Job Set-up,’’ and
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46435
Part C, ‘‘Close Out,’’ do not directly
correct the unsafe condition. Horizon
Air stated that incorporating these two
sections as a requirement in the AD
restricts an operator’s ability to
accomplish other maintenance in
conjunction with the required actions to
correct the unsafe condition.
The FAA agrees with the commenter’s
request to exclude the ‘‘Job Set-up’’ and
‘‘Close Out’’ sections of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84–55–09, dated June 7,
2018. The FAA has revised the
introductory text of paragraph (g) of this
AD to require accomplishment of
Section 3.B, Part A, of the
Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–55–09,
dated June 7, 2018, and the FAA has
revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to
require accomplishment of Section 3.B,
Part B, of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service
Bulletin 84–55–09, dated June 7, 2018.
Request To Revise Company Name and
Email Address
Horizon Air requested that the FAA
update the contact information for
reporting in the introductory text of
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD.
Horizon Air pointed out that De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd is now
the design approval holder (DAH) for
the Q400 aircraft.
The FAA agrees with the commenter’s
request. The FAA has updated the
address information accordingly in this
final rule.
As a note, there is a difference
between the commercial designation
and the model designation on the U.S.
type certificate data sheet (TCDS).
‘‘Q400’’ is the commercial designation,
while Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC–8–
400 is the designation on the TCDS. The
FAA uses the model designation on the
TCDS to define the applicability in ADs
and, as a result, have not changed the
applicability of this AD. The FAA is in
the process of changing the TCDS to
reflect the name change for these
models. The FAA will use the name
identified in the current TCDS so as not
to delay issuance of the final rule. Once
the TCDS has been changed, the FAA
will use the new name in subsequent
ADs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule with the changes described
previously and minor editorial changes.
The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 4, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this final rule.
This service information describes
procedures for one-time detailed visual
and fluorescent penetrant inspections
for cracks and damage of the elevator
PCU brackets (including the
surrounding area), horizontal stabilizer
rear spar, and elevator front spar, and
related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. The related
investigative action is an eddy current
inspection for cracking of certain mating
holes of the horizontal stabilizer rear
spar. Corrective actions include
replacement of the elevator PCU
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Bombardier has issued Service
Bulletin 84–55–09, dated June 7, 2018.
brackets and repair of the horizontal
stabilizer rear spar and elevator front
spar.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 54 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS *
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost
per product
Cost on
U.S. operators
13 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,105 ...................................................................
$0
$1,105
$59,670
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it would take
about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the reporting requirement
in this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per hour. Based on these figures, the
FAA estimates the cost of reporting the
inspection results on U.S. operators to
be $4,590, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these
on-condition actions:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost
per product
18 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,530 .....................................................................................................
$0
$1,530
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to 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 control
number for the collection of information
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The
paperwork cost associated with this AD
has been detailed in the Costs of
Compliance section of this document
and includes time for reviewing
instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is 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.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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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.
The FAA is 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 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
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Sfmt 4700
applicable to transport category
airplanes and associated appliances to
the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
Regulatory Findings
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 4, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2019–16–09 Bombardier, Inc.:
Amendment 39–19712; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0322; Product Identifier
2019–NM–039–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 8, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc.,
Model DHC–8–400, -401, and -402 airplanes,
certificated in any category, serial numbers
4001 through 4580 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracked elevator power control unit (PCU)
brackets on the horizontal stabilizer rear spar
and cracking on the elevator front spar. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address this
condition, which, if not detected and
corrected, may cause failure of an elevator
PCU bracket or fracture the front spar into
two segments; either structural failure may
cause a jam in one elevator or a loss of
airplane pitch control if both elevators are
affected.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspections
No earlier than 7,500 total accumulated
flight hours, but before accumulating 8,000
flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform detailed visual and fluorescent
penetrant inspections for cracks and damage
of the elevator PCU brackets, horizontal
stabilizer rear spar, and elevator front spar,
in accordance with Section 3.B, Part A, of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 84–55–09, dated June 7,
2018.
(1) If any crack is detected on any elevator
PCU bracket, and no crack or damage is
found on either spar: Before further flight,
replace the elevator PCU bracket with a new
bracket, and do all related investigative and
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corrective actions, in accordance with
Section 3.B, Part B, of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin
84–55–09, dated June 7, 2018.
(2) If any crack or damage is detected on
any horizontal stabilizer rear spar or elevator
front spar: 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.
(h) Reporting
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD: Report the
results of the inspections required by
paragraph (g) of this AD to the De Havilland
CMDB Focal by fax 1–416–375–4538 or email
at cmdb.request@dehavilland.com, in
accordance with the instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–55–09, dated
June 7, 2018. If operators have reported
findings as part of obtaining any corrective
actions approved by Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA
DAO, operators are not required to report
those findings as specified in this paragraph.
(1) If the inspections were done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspections.
(2) If the inspections were done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(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; TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA
DAO. If approved by the DAO, the approval
must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: 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
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46437
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
be approximately 1 hour 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
AD CF–2018–34, dated December 17, 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–2019–0322.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7330; fax 516–794–5531; email 9avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–55–09,
dated June 7, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Ltd., Q-Series Technical Help Desk,
123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K
1Y5, Canada; phone: 416–375–4000; fax:
416–375–4539; email: thd@dehavilland.com;
internet: https://dehavilland.com.
(4) 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.
(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 Des Moines, Washington, on
August 15, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–18965 Filed 9–3–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
E:\FR\FM\04SER1.SGM
04SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 4, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46434-46437]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18965]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0322; Product Identifier 2019-NM-039-AD; Amendment
39-19712; AD 2019-16-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of cracked elevator power control unit (PCU)
brackets on the horizontal stabilizer rear spar and cracking on the
elevator front spar. This AD requires one-time inspections for cracks
and damage of the elevator PCU brackets and surrounding area,
horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and elevator front spar, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 9, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 9,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Q-
[[Page 46435]]
Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K
1Y5, Canada; phone: 416-375-4000; fax: 416-375-4539; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://dehavilland.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. It is also available on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0322.
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-2019-
0322; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7330; fax 516-
794-5531; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier,
Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on May 14, 2019 (84 FR 21268). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of cracked elevator PCU brackets on the horizontal
stabilizer rear spar and cracking on the elevator front spar. The NPRM
proposed to require one-time inspections for cracks and damage of the
elevator PCU brackets and surrounding area, horizontal stabilizer rear
spar, and elevator front spar, and related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of an elevator PCU
bracket or fracture of the front spar into two segments; either
structural failure may cause a jam in one elevator or a loss of
airplane pitch control if both elevators are affected.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2018-34, dated December
17, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series
airplanes. The MCAI states:
There have been five in-service reports of cracked elevator
power control unit (PCU) brackets on the horizontal stabilizer rear
spar, and two reports of cracking on the elevator front spar. In one
case, the PCU bracket cracking led to detachment of the bracket
during pushback. An investigation found that the force-fight loads
induced by elevator PCUs not rigged to the required tolerance is the
common factor in cracking of both the elevator PCU bracket and of
the elevator front spar. A secondary contributor to the elevator PCU
bracket cracking is the bracket flange preload that may be induced
during production installation. Failure of an elevator PCU bracket
or progression of the elevator front spar cracking into two segments
may cause the affected elevator to jam. Failure of an elevator
bracket on both elevators, or progression of elevator front spar
cracking into two segments on both elevators, could cause a loss of
aeroplane pitch control.
This [Canadian] AD mandates a one-time inspection of the
elevator PCU brackets, the horizontal stabilizer rear spar and
elevator front spar with reporting of inspection findings. Any
brackets found cracked are to be replaced with new brackets with
improved strength. For any spar found cracked, obtain instructions
to repair the spar from Bombardier and repair the spar accordingly.
Additional corrective action may be considered depending on the
results of the inspections findings.
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-2019-
0322.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Remove Certain Service Information Procedures
Horizon Air requested that the FAA change the language in the
introductory text of paragraph (g) of the proposed AD from mandating
``the Accomplishment Instructions'' in the service information to
mandating only the section that corrects the unsafe condition. Horizon
Air stated that the Accomplishment Instructions, Part A, ``Job Set-
up,'' and Part C, ``Close Out,'' do not directly correct the unsafe
condition. Horizon Air stated that incorporating these two sections as
a requirement in the AD restricts an operator's ability to accomplish
other maintenance in conjunction with the required actions to correct
the unsafe condition.
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request to exclude the ``Job
Set-up'' and ``Close Out'' sections of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
55-09, dated June 7, 2018. The FAA has revised the introductory text of
paragraph (g) of this AD to require accomplishment of Section 3.B, Part
A, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin
84-55-09, dated June 7, 2018, and the FAA has revised paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD to require accomplishment of Section 3.B, Part B, of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09,
dated June 7, 2018.
Request To Revise Company Name and Email Address
Horizon Air requested that the FAA update the contact information
for reporting in the introductory text of paragraph (h) of the proposed
AD. Horizon Air pointed out that De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd is
now the design approval holder (DAH) for the Q400 aircraft.
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request. The FAA has updated
the address information accordingly in this final rule.
As a note, there is a difference between the commercial designation
and the model designation on the U.S. type certificate data sheet
(TCDS). ``Q400'' is the commercial designation, while Bombardier, Inc.,
Model DHC-8-400 is the designation on the TCDS. The FAA uses the model
designation on the TCDS to define the applicability in ADs and, as a
result, have not changed the applicability of this AD. The FAA is in
the process of changing the TCDS to reflect the name change for these
models. The FAA will use the name identified in the current TCDS so as
not to delay issuance of the final rule. Once the TCDS has been
changed, the FAA will use the new name in subsequent ADs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
[[Page 46436]]
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7,
2018. This service information describes procedures for one-time
detailed visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections for cracks and
damage of the elevator PCU brackets (including the surrounding area),
horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and elevator front spar, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The related
investigative action is an eddy current inspection for cracking of
certain mating holes of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. Corrective
actions include replacement of the elevator PCU brackets and repair of
the horizontal stabilizer rear spar and elevator front spar.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 54 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,105............... $0 $1,105 $59,670
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be
$4,590, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $1,530
$1,530.........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to 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 control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is 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.
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.
The FAA is 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 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 and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
[[Page 46437]]
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2019-16-09 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19712; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0322; Product Identifier 2019-NM-039-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 8, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400, -401, and
-402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001
through 4580 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked elevator power
control unit (PCU) brackets on the horizontal stabilizer rear spar
and cracking on the elevator front spar. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address this condition, which, if not detected and corrected, may
cause failure of an elevator PCU bracket or fracture the front spar
into two segments; either structural failure may cause a jam in one
elevator or a loss of airplane pitch control if both elevators are
affected.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspections
No earlier than 7,500 total accumulated flight hours, but before
accumulating 8,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform detailed visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections for
cracks and damage of the elevator PCU brackets, horizontal
stabilizer rear spar, and elevator front spar, in accordance with
Section 3.B, Part A, of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7, 2018.
(1) If any crack is detected on any elevator PCU bracket, and no
crack or damage is found on either spar: Before further flight,
replace the elevator PCU bracket with a new bracket, and do all
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with
Section 3.B, Part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7, 2018.
(2) If any crack or damage is detected on any horizontal
stabilizer rear spar or elevator front spar: 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.
(h) Reporting
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of
this AD: Report the results of the inspections required by paragraph
(g) of this AD to the De Havilland CMDB Focal by fax 1-416-375-4538
or email at [email protected], in accordance with the
instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7,
2018. If operators have reported findings as part of obtaining any
corrective actions approved by Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO,
operators are not required to report those findings as specified in
this paragraph.
(1) If the inspections were done on or after the effective date
of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspections.
(2) If the inspections were done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(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; TCCA; or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: 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 1
hour 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-34, dated December 17, 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-2019-0322.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-228-7330; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].
(k) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-55-09, dated June 7, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123
Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; phone: 416-375-
4000; fax: 416-375-4539; email: [email protected]; internet:
https://dehavilland.com.
(4) 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.
(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/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 15, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18965 Filed 9-3-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
