Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes, 49957-49959 [2020-17900]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 159 / Monday, August 17, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Boyce Jones, Aerospace Engineer,
Atlanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone:
404–474–5535; fax: 404–474–5606; email:
boyce.jones@faa.gov.
(n) 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) Continental Aerospace Technologies,
Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin 18–08,
Revision B, dated January 13, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Continental Aerospace
Technologies, Inc. service information
identified in this AD, contact Continental
Aerospace Technologies, Inc., 2039 South
Broad Street, Mobile, Alabama 36615; phone:
251–436–8299; website: https://
www.continentalmotors.aero.
(4) You may view this service information
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
(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,
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–17874 Filed 8–14–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0045; Product
Identifier 2018–CE–027–AD; Amendment
39–21199; AD 2020–16–15]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air
Limited Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Viking Air Limited Models DHC–2 Mk.
I and DHC–2 Mk. III airplanes. This AD
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:18 Aug 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as cracks reported on the
forward and aft float strut wire pull
fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective September
21, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of September 21, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0045; or in person at Docket Operations,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Viking Air Limited
Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland
Way, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada,
V8L 5V5; telephone: (North America)
(800) 663–8444; fax: (250) 656–0673;
email: technical.support@vikingair.com;
internet: https://www.vikingair.com/
support/service-bulletins. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–
4148. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA–2019–
0045.
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–
0045; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains the notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz
Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York
11590; telephone: (516) 287–7329; fax:
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
49957
(516) 794–5531; email: aziz.ahmed@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend
14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to Viking Air Limited
Models DHC–2 Mk. I and DHC–2 Mk. III
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on February 11, 2019
(84 FR 3131). The NPRM proposed to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products and was based on AD
Number CF–2018–10, dated April 18,
2018 (referred to after this as ‘‘the
MCAI’’), issued by Transport Canada,
which is the aviation authority for
Canada. The MCAI states:
Cracks have been reported on the Forward
and Aft float strut wire pull fittings on DHC–
2 Mk. I aeroplanes equipped with the 5600
lb gross weight increase kit installed in
accordance with STC SA92–63 or
SA00299NY and on DHC–2 Mk. III
aeroplanes equipped with the 6000 lb gross
weight increase kit installed in accordance
with STC SA91–18 or SA945NE. An
investigation found that the forward and aft
wire pull fittings (P/N VALTBS1245–1/–2
and P/N VALTBS1244–1, respectively) are
prone to stress corrosion cracking at low
cycles/hours.
Failure of these wire pull fittings will
reduce the strength of the float undercarriage
below the required structural capability and
could result in a failure of the undercarriage
causing the aeroplane to tip over and be
submerged.
Therefore this [Transport Canada] AD
requires that the forward and aft wire pull
fittings be replaced with P/N VALTBS1245–
3/–4 and P/N VALTBS1244–3/–4 (LH/RH)
fittings respectively. These fittings are
geometrically similar to the legacy fittings
and are made of a different aluminum alloy
that is less susceptible to stress corrosion
cracking.
In addition to replacing the fittings, it is
necessary to implement a recurring visual
inspection of the fittings to assure continuing
airworthiness.
The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FAA2019-0045.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the
comment received on the NPRM and the
FAA’s response.
Request To Remove the Repetitive
Inspection
Christopher Campbell requested the
FAA remove the 110-hour repetitive
inspection requirement. The commenter
stated the unsafe condition is
eliminated by the requirement to
E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM
17AUR1
49958
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 159 / Monday, August 17, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
replace the affected part. Also, the
commenter reasoned that because
repetitive inspections are already
required at each 100-hour and annual
inspection by Appendix D to Part 43,
Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13, AC 20–
106, the manufacturer’s maintenance
manual, and the float manufacturer’s
inspection requirements, the repetitive
inspections in the NPRM are
unnecessary and burdensome. The
commenter stated that if the
replacement wire pulls are not strong
enough to last 110 hours without
cracking, then the FAA should address
this at the manufacturing level and not
in the field.
The FAA does not agree. Although 14
CFR 43.15 and Appendix D to Part 43
do require that 100-hour and annual
inspections include an inspection of
floats for insecure attachment and
obvious defects, this AD requires a
specific inspection of the wire pull
fittings. Also, while an operator may
incorporate into its maintenance
program the inspections in the advisory
circulars and manufacturer maintenance
manuals referenced by the commenter,
not all operators are required to do so.
In order for these inspections to become
mandatory, and to correct the unsafe
conditions identified in the NPRM, the
FAA must issue an AD. The compliance
times as proposed should allow the
inspections to be conducted
concurrently with scheduled
maintenance, thereby minimizing the
costs on operators.
The FAA did not change this AD
based on this comment.
Changes to the Final Rule
The FAA has revised the applicability
of this AD to include airplanes with
fitting part number VALTBS1244–3 or
VALTBS1244–4, to clarify that replacing
the fittings is not terminating action for
the repetitive inspections in the AD.
The FAA also made some minor
editorial changes.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the changes described previously.
The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the proposal in
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
• Do not increase any burden upon
the public than was already proposed in
the NPRM.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:18 Aug 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Viking DHC–2
Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/003,
Revision NC, dated November 28, 2012,
for Model DCH–2 Mk. I airplanes; and
Viking DHC–2T Beaver Service Bulletin
No. V2/002, Revision A, dated
September 12, 2011, for Model DCH–2
Mk. III airplanes. This service
information contains procedures for
replacing the forward and aft float strut
wire pull fittings and specifies
implementing repetitive visual
inspections of the fittings. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI
The MCAI requires returning cracked
fittings to Viking, and this AD does not.
The MCAI also prohibits installing an
affected wire pull fitting on any
airplane, and this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will
affect 136 products of U.S. registry. The
FAA also estimates that replacing the
fittings will take about 12 work-hours at
an average labor rate of $85 per workhour and required parts will cost about
$2,741. Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates a cost of $3,761 per airplane
and $511,496 for the U.S. operator fleet.
Inspecting the fittings will take about
.5 work-hour for an estimated cost of
$42.50 per airplane and $5,780 for the
U.S. fleet, per inspection cycle.
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this AD
will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD
will not have a substantial direct effect
on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) 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.
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:
■
2020–16–15 Viking Air Limited:
Amendment 39–21199; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0045; Product Identifier
2018–CE–027–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective September 21, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Viking
Air Limited airplanes, certificated in any
category:
(1) Model DHC–2 Mk. I airplanes altered by
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA92–
63 or SA00299NY with a float strut wire pull
fitting part number (P/N) VALTBS1245–1, P/
N VALTBS1245–2, P/N VALTBS1244–1, P/N
VALTBS1244–3, or P/N VALTBS1244–4; and
(2) Model DHC–2 Mk. III airplanes altered
by STC SA91–18 or SA945NE with a float
strut wire pull fitting P/N VALTBS1245–1, P/
N VALTBS1245–2, P/N VALTBS1244–1, P/N
VALTBS1244–3, or P/N VALTBS1244–4.
E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM
17AUR1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 159 / Monday, August 17, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as cracks
reported on the forward and aft float strut
wire pull fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD
to prevent failure of the wire pull fittings,
which could reduce the strength of the float
undercarriage below the required structural
capability, resulting in a failure of the
undercarriage causing the airplane to tip over
and submerge.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within 90 days after August 17, 2020
(the effective date of this AD):
(i) Replace each forward wire pull fitting
P/N VALTBS1245–1 and P/N VALTBS1245–
2 with P/N VALTBS1245–3 Left Hand (LH)
or P/N VALTBS1245–4 Right Hand (RH) by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs A.1. through A.8., of Viking
DHC–2 Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/003,
Revision NC, dated November 28, 2012
(Viking SB No. V2/003); or Viking DHC–2T
Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/002, Revision
A, dated September 12, 2011 (Viking SB No.
V2/002, Revision A), as applicable to your
model airplane.
(ii) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS)
after the replacement of the forward wire pull
fittings and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 110 hours TIS, visually inspect each
forward wire pull fitting for corrosion and
cracks. If there is any corrosion or a crack,
before further flight, replace the fitting with
fitting P/N VALTBS1245–3 (LH) or P/N
VALTBS1245–4 (RH).
(2) Within 180 days after August 17, 2020
(the effective date of this AD):
(i) Replace each aft wire pull fitting P/N
VALTBS1244–1 with P/N VALTBS1244–3
(LH) or P/N VALTBS1244–4 (RH) by
following the Accomplishment Instructions,
paragraphs B.1. through B.8., of Viking SB
No. V2/003 or Viking SB No. V2/002,
Revision A, as applicable to your model
airplane.
(ii) Within 110 hours TIS after the
replacement of the aft wire pull fittings and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours
TIS, visually inspect each aft wire pull fitting
for corrosion and cracks. If there is any
corrosion or a crack, before further flight,
replace the fitting with fitting P/N
VALTBS1244–3 (LH) or P/N VALTBS1244–4
(RH).
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Aziz Ahmed,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York ACO
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:18 Aug 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516)
287–7329; fax: (516) 794–5531; email:. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane
to which the AMOC applies, notify your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the
FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO),
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(h) Related Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0265; Project
Identifier MCAI–2019–00131–E; Amendment
39–21201; AD 2020–16–17]
Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD
Number CF–2018–10, dated April 18, 2018,
for related information. The MCAI can be
found in the AD docket on the internet at:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FAA2019-0045.
RIN 2120–AA64
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
AGENCY:
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Viking DHC–2 Beaver Service Bulletin
No. V2/003, Revision NC, dated November
28, 2012.
(ii) Viking DHC–2T Beaver Service Bulletin
No. V2/002, Revision A, dated September 12,
2011.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Viking Air Limited
Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way,
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5;
telephone: (North America) (800) 663–8444;
fax: (250) 656–0673; email:
technical.support@vikingair.com; internet:
https://www.vikingair.com/support/servicebulletins.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148. In addition, you
can access this service information on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
2019–0045.
(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,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on August 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–17900 Filed 8–14–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
49959
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type
Certificate Previously Held by RollsRoyce plc) Turbofan Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG
(RRD) Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79,
Trent XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84
model turbofan engines. This AD was
prompted by reports of a lack of weld
fusion on the resistance welding during
manufacturing, which could result in air
leakage through the low-pressure
turbine (LPT) rear support seal panel
assembly (‘‘LPT seal panel’’). This AD
requires replacement of the LPT seal
panel. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective September
21, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 21, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG,
Eschenweg 11, 15827 BlankenfeldeMahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33
708 6 0; email: https://www.rollsroyce.com/contact-us.aspx. You may
view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0265.
DATES:
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–2020–
0265; 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,
E:\FR\FM\17AUR1.SGM
17AUR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 159 (Monday, August 17, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49957-49959]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17900]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0045; Product Identifier 2018-CE-027-AD; Amendment
39-21199; AD 2020-16-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited 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 Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. III
airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country
to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks reported on the forward
and aft float strut wire pull fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 21, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 21,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0045; or in person at Docket Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Viking Air
Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, British
Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North America) (800) 663-8444;
fax: (250) 656-0673; email: [email protected]; internet:
https://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call (816) 329-4148. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2019-0045.
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-
0045; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York
11590; telephone: (516) 287-7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. III
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 11,
2019 (84 FR 3131). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products and was based on AD Number CF-2018-10, dated
April 18, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), issued by
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI
states:
Cracks have been reported on the Forward and Aft float strut
wire pull fittings on DHC-2 Mk. I aeroplanes equipped with the 5600
lb gross weight increase kit installed in accordance with STC SA92-
63 or SA00299NY and on DHC-2 Mk. III aeroplanes equipped with the
6000 lb gross weight increase kit installed in accordance with STC
SA91-18 or SA945NE. An investigation found that the forward and aft
wire pull fittings (P/N VALTBS1245-1/-2 and P/N VALTBS1244-1,
respectively) are prone to stress corrosion cracking at low cycles/
hours.
Failure of these wire pull fittings will reduce the strength of
the float undercarriage below the required structural capability and
could result in a failure of the undercarriage causing the aeroplane
to tip over and be submerged.
Therefore this [Transport Canada] AD requires that the forward
and aft wire pull fittings be replaced with P/N VALTBS1245-3/-4 and
P/N VALTBS1244-3/-4 (LH/RH) fittings respectively. These fittings
are geometrically similar to the legacy fittings and are made of a
different aluminum alloy that is less susceptible to stress
corrosion cracking.
In addition to replacing the fittings, it is necessary to
implement a recurring visual inspection of the fittings to assure
continuing airworthiness.
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FAA-2019-0045.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. The following presents the comment received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response.
Request To Remove the Repetitive Inspection
Christopher Campbell requested the FAA remove the 110-hour
repetitive inspection requirement. The commenter stated the unsafe
condition is eliminated by the requirement to
[[Page 49958]]
replace the affected part. Also, the commenter reasoned that because
repetitive inspections are already required at each 100-hour and annual
inspection by Appendix D to Part 43, Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13, AC
20-106, the manufacturer's maintenance manual, and the float
manufacturer's inspection requirements, the repetitive inspections in
the NPRM are unnecessary and burdensome. The commenter stated that if
the replacement wire pulls are not strong enough to last 110 hours
without cracking, then the FAA should address this at the manufacturing
level and not in the field.
The FAA does not agree. Although 14 CFR 43.15 and Appendix D to
Part 43 do require that 100-hour and annual inspections include an
inspection of floats for insecure attachment and obvious defects, this
AD requires a specific inspection of the wire pull fittings. Also,
while an operator may incorporate into its maintenance program the
inspections in the advisory circulars and manufacturer maintenance
manuals referenced by the commenter, not all operators are required to
do so. In order for these inspections to become mandatory, and to
correct the unsafe conditions identified in the NPRM, the FAA must
issue an AD. The compliance times as proposed should allow the
inspections to be conducted concurrently with scheduled maintenance,
thereby minimizing the costs on operators.
The FAA did not change this AD based on this comment.
Changes to the Final Rule
The FAA has revised the applicability of this AD to include
airplanes with fitting part number VALTBS1244-3 or VALTBS1244-4, to
clarify that replacing the fittings is not terminating action for the
repetitive inspections in the AD. The FAA also made some minor
editorial changes.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. The FAA
has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the proposal in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not increase any burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/003,
Revision NC, dated November 28, 2012, for Model DCH-2 Mk. I airplanes;
and Viking DHC-2T Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/002, Revision A, dated
September 12, 2011, for Model DCH-2 Mk. III airplanes. This service
information contains procedures for replacing the forward and aft float
strut wire pull fittings and specifies implementing repetitive visual
inspections of the fittings. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI requires returning cracked fittings to Viking, and this AD
does not. The MCAI also prohibits installing an affected wire pull
fitting on any airplane, and this AD does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 136 products of U.S.
registry. The FAA also estimates that replacing the fittings will take
about 12 work-hours at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour and
required parts will cost about $2,741. Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates a cost of $3,761 per airplane and $511,496 for the U.S.
operator fleet.
Inspecting the fittings will take about .5 work-hour for an
estimated cost of $42.50 per airplane and $5,780 for the U.S. fleet,
per inspection cycle.
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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) 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.
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:
2020-16-15 Viking Air Limited: Amendment 39-21199; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0045; Product Identifier 2018-CE-027-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September
21, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the following Viking Air Limited airplanes,
certificated in any category:
(1) Model DHC-2 Mk. I airplanes altered by Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) SA92-63 or SA00299NY with a float strut wire pull
fitting part number (P/N) VALTBS1245-1, P/N VALTBS1245-2, P/N
VALTBS1244-1, P/N VALTBS1244-3, or P/N VALTBS1244-4; and
(2) Model DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes altered by STC SA91-18 or
SA945NE with a float strut wire pull fitting P/N VALTBS1245-1, P/N
VALTBS1245-2, P/N VALTBS1244-1, P/N VALTBS1244-3, or P/N VALTBS1244-
4.
[[Page 49959]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as cracks reported
on the forward and aft float strut wire pull fittings. The FAA is
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the wire pull fittings, which
could reduce the strength of the float undercarriage below the
required structural capability, resulting in a failure of the
undercarriage causing the airplane to tip over and submerge.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 90 days after August 17, 2020 (the effective date of
this AD):
(i) Replace each forward wire pull fitting P/N VALTBS1245-1 and
P/N VALTBS1245-2 with P/N VALTBS1245-3 Left Hand (LH) or P/N
VALTBS1245-4 Right Hand (RH) by following the Accomplishment
Instructions, paragraphs A.1. through A.8., of Viking DHC-2 Beaver
Service Bulletin No. V2/003, Revision NC, dated November 28, 2012
(Viking SB No. V2/003); or Viking DHC-2T Beaver Service Bulletin No.
V2/002, Revision A, dated September 12, 2011 (Viking SB No. V2/002,
Revision A), as applicable to your model airplane.
(ii) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the
replacement of the forward wire pull fittings and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, visually inspect each forward
wire pull fitting for corrosion and cracks. If there is any
corrosion or a crack, before further flight, replace the fitting
with fitting P/N VALTBS1245-3 (LH) or P/N VALTBS1245-4 (RH).
(2) Within 180 days after August 17, 2020 (the effective date of
this AD):
(i) Replace each aft wire pull fitting P/N VALTBS1244-1 with P/N
VALTBS1244-3 (LH) or P/N VALTBS1244-4 (RH) by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs B.1. through B.8., of Viking
SB No. V2/003 or Viking SB No. V2/002, Revision A, as applicable to
your model airplane.
(ii) Within 110 hours TIS after the replacement of the aft wire
pull fittings and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 110 hours
TIS, visually inspect each aft wire pull fitting for corrosion and
cracks. If there is any corrosion or a crack, before further flight,
replace the fitting with fitting P/N VALTBS1244-3 (LH) or P/N
VALTBS1244-4 (RH).
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Aziz
Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 287-
7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email:. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD Number CF-2018-10, dated April
18, 2018, for related information. The MCAI can be found in the AD
docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FAA-2019-0045.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/003, Revision
NC, dated November 28, 2012.
(ii) Viking DHC-2T Beaver Service Bulletin No. V2/002, Revision
A, dated September 12, 2011.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney,
British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North America) (800)
663-8444; fax: (250) 656-0673; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. In
addition, you can access this service information on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0045.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 4, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17900 Filed 8-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
