Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes, 3236-3238 [2022-00994]
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Proposed Rules
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1003; Project
Identifier MCAI–2020–00962–A]
internal structure, correcting any
damage found, and reporting the
inspection results to Viking. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by March 7, 2022.
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 Viking Air Ltd.,
1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British
Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5; phone:
(800) 663–8444; email:
continuing.airworthiness@
vikingair.com; website: https://
www.vikingair.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, MO 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on January 12, 2022,
by Kelly J. Speakes-Backman, Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
pursuant to delegated authority from the
Secretary of Energy. That document
with the original signature and date is
maintained by DOE. For administrative
purposes only, and in compliance with
requirements of the Office of the Federal
Register, the undersigned DOE Federal
Register Liaison Officer has been
authorized to sign and submit the
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the Department of Energy. This
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the legal effect of this document upon
publication in the Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on January 12,
2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2022–00848 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air
Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bombardier Inc. and de
Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Viking Air Limited (Viking) (type
certificate previously held by
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.)
Model DHC–6–1, DHC–6–100, DHC–6–
200, DHC–6–300, and DHC–6–400
airplanes. This proposed AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe
condition as cracks and corrosion
damage to the aileron internal structure.
This proposed AD would require
visually inspecting the entire aileron
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 Jan 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1003; 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
NPRM, the MCAI, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer,
New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515
Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (516) 228–7300; fax: (516) 794–
5331; email: deep.gaurav@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–1003; Project Identifier
MCAI–2020–00962–A’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
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comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Deep Gaurav, Aviation
Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch,
FAA, 1515 Stewart Avenue, Westbury,
NY 11590. Any commentary that the
FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the
aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF–2020–
05, dated March 13, 2020 (referred to
after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address the
unsafe condition on Viking Model
DHC–6 series 1, DHC–6 series 100,
DHC–6 series 110, DHC–6 series 200,
DHC–6 series 210, DHC–6 series 300,
DHC–6 series 310, DHC–6 series 320,
and DHC–6 series 400 airplanes. The
MCAI states:
Viking Air Ltd. (Viking) received reports of
cracks and corrosion damage to the aileron
internal structure. During a repair of an inservice aeroplane, an aileron hinge support
rib was found cracked at the lower flange
along the bend radius near the hinge fitting
attachment at wing station 247.29.
Preliminary investigation by Viking
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Proposed Rules
determined that the observed crack was the
result of fatigue. During an inspection of
another in-service aeroplane, the aileron
inboard rib and the vertical flange of the
inboard aileron forward spar near a fastener
hole were also found cracked.
The current inspection requirements of the
affected aeroplanes do not include a direct
inspection of the aileron internal structure.
Cracks or other damage to the aileron ribs or
to the aileron spar flanges are not detectable
from the aileron exterior surfaces.
Undetected cracks or other damage to the
aileron internal structure could lead to
progressive looseness of the aileron at the
hinge support rib push-pull rod attachment
and subsequent flutter condition and
degraded or loss of aileron control.
To detect and correct any cracking or other
damage to the aileron internal structure, this
[Transport Canada] AD mandates a one-time
Special Detailed Inspection (SDI) of all
aileron internal structure, including front and
rear spars, all aileron ribs and upper and
lower skins for cracks, corrosion or other
damage, and rectification, as required, of the
damaged parts.
This [Transport Canada] AD also mandates
reporting of all inspection results to Viking.
The reporting of the inspection results is
necessary to assess the overall aileron
internal structural condition on in-service
aeroplanes and to determine additional
corrective action based on the results of the
inspections.
Viking has published Service Bulletin (SB)
V6/0066 Revision A, dated 9 December 2019,
(referred to as ‘‘the SB’’ in this AD) providing
accomplishment instructions for the
inspection, rectification of the damaged
parts, and reporting requirements.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
1003.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 Jan 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
FAA’s Determination
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with this
State of Design Authority, it has notified
the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. The FAA
is issuing this NPRM after determining
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This
NPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed
AD would be an interim action. The
inspection reports will provide the FAA
and Viking Air Limited additional data
for determining the damage present in
the fleet. After analyzing the data, the
FAA may take further rulemaking
action.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Viking DHC–6
Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0066,
Revision A, dated December 9, 2019.
The service information specifies
procedures for visually inspecting the
entire aileron internal structure,
including front and rear spars, all
aileron ribs, and upper and lower skins;
repairing or replacing any damaged part;
and reporting inspection results to
Viking Air Limited technical support.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Viking DHC–6
Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0066,
Revision NC, dated August 29, 2019.
The service information specifies
procedures for visually inspecting the
aileron ribs, including ribs and both
sides of the hinge arm; repairing or
replacing any damaged part; and
reporting inspection results to Viking
Air Limited technical support.
The MCAI applies to Viking Air
Limited Model DHC–6 series 110, DHC–
6 series 210, DHC–6 series 310, and
DHC–6 series 320, and this proposed
AD would not because these models do
not have an FAA type certificate.
Transport Canada Model DHC–6 series
1, DHC–6 series 100, DHC–6 series 200,
DHC–6 series 300, and DHC–6 series
400 airplanes correspond to FAA Model
DHC–6–1, DHC–6–100, DHC–6–200,
DHC–6–300, and DHC–6–400 airplanes,
respectively.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if
adopted as proposed, would affect 33
airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA also
estimates that it would take about 3
work-hours per airplane to comply with
the inspection and 1 hour to comply
with the reporting requirement of this
proposed AD. The average labor rate is
$85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of the proposed AD
on U.S. operators would be $11,220 or
$340 per airplane.
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3237
In addition, the FAA estimates that
any necessary follow-on actions to
replace an aileron would take 6 workhours and require parts costing $52,243,
for a cost of $52,753 per airplane. The
FAA has no way of determining the
number of airplanes that may need these
actions.
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 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 currently 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 take
approximately 1 hour per response,
including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the
data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send
comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524.
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
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Proposed Rules
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) 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.
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:
■
Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and
de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA–
2020–1003; Project Identifier MCAI–
2020–00962–A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by March 7,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Viking Air Limited
(type certificate previously held by
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.)
Model DHC–6–1, DHC–6–100, DHC–6–200,
DHC–6–300, and DHC–6–400 airplanes, all
serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 5700, Wing Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 Jan 20, 2022
Jkt 256001
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI
identifies the unsafe condition as cracks and
corrosion damage to the aileron internal
structure. The FAA is issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracks and other damage
to the aileron internal structure. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
progressive looseness of the aileron at the
hinge support rib push-pull rod attachment,
flutter condition, and degraded or loss of
aileron control, which could lead to loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection and Replacement of the
Aileron
At the compliance time specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD, inspect the
left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) aileron
internal structures for cracks, corrosion, and
other damage and take any necessary
corrective actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, steps II.A.
through II.A.3. of Viking DHC–6 Twin Otter
Service Bulletin V6/0066, Revision A, dated
December 9, 2019 (Viking SB V6/0066,
Revision A).
(1) For each LH or RH aileron that has
accumulated 16,000 or more hours time-inservice (TIS), 32,000 or more flight cycles
(FC), or 10 or more years since first
installation on an airplane, whichever occurs
first: Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD.
(2) For each LH or RH aileron that has
accumulated less than 16,000 hours TIS, less
than 32,000 FC, and less than 10 years since
first installation on an airplane: Within 6
months after accumulating 16,000 hours TIS,
32,000 FC, or 10 years, whichever occurs
first.
(h) Reporting Requirement
Within 30 days after the inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD
or within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs later, report to
Viking the information requested on the
Inspection Reply Form, page 7, of Viking SB
V6/0066, Revision A.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this
AD if you performed those actions before the
effective date of this AD using Viking DHC–
6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0066,
Revision NC, dated August 29, 2019.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) 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 the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD.
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(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety
Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515
Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (516) 228–7300; fax: (516) 794–5331;
email: deep.gaurav@faa.gov.
(2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF–
2020–05, dated March 13, 2020, for more
information. You may examine the Transport
Canada AD in the AD docket at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–1003.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de
Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia,
Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663–8444;
email: continuing.airworthiness@
vikingair.com; website: https://
www.vikingair.com. You may review this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO
64106. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
Issued on January 13, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–00994 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–0007; Project
Identifier 2018–CE–048–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air
Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bombardier Inc. and de
Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Viking Air Limited (type
certificate previously held by
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.)
Model DHC–6–400 airplanes. This
proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify
and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes
the unsafe condition as corrosion of the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\21JAP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3236-3238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1003; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00962-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Viking Air Limited (Viking) (type certificate previously held
by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100,
DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes. This proposed AD results
from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated
by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an
unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe
condition as cracks and corrosion damage to the aileron internal
structure. This proposed AD would require visually inspecting the
entire aileron internal structure, correcting any damage found, and
reporting the inspection results to Viking. The FAA is proposing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 7,
2022.
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 Viking Air
Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5;
phone: (800) 663-8444; email: [email protected];
website: https://www.vikingair.com. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1003; 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 NPRM, the MCAI,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer,
New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (516) 228-7300; fax: (516) 794-5331; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-1003; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-00962-A'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Deep
Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515
Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2020-05, dated March 13, 2020 (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address the unsafe condition on
Viking Model DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, DHC-6 series 110, DHC-6
series 200, DHC-6 series 210, DHC-6 series 300, DHC-6 series 310, DHC-6
series 320, and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Viking Air Ltd. (Viking) received reports of cracks and
corrosion damage to the aileron internal structure. During a repair
of an in-service aeroplane, an aileron hinge support rib was found
cracked at the lower flange along the bend radius near the hinge
fitting attachment at wing station 247.29. Preliminary investigation
by Viking
[[Page 3237]]
determined that the observed crack was the result of fatigue. During
an inspection of another in-service aeroplane, the aileron inboard
rib and the vertical flange of the inboard aileron forward spar near
a fastener hole were also found cracked.
The current inspection requirements of the affected aeroplanes
do not include a direct inspection of the aileron internal
structure. Cracks or other damage to the aileron ribs or to the
aileron spar flanges are not detectable from the aileron exterior
surfaces. Undetected cracks or other damage to the aileron internal
structure could lead to progressive looseness of the aileron at the
hinge support rib push-pull rod attachment and subsequent flutter
condition and degraded or loss of aileron control.
To detect and correct any cracking or other damage to the
aileron internal structure, this [Transport Canada] AD mandates a
one-time Special Detailed Inspection (SDI) of all aileron internal
structure, including front and rear spars, all aileron ribs and
upper and lower skins for cracks, corrosion or other damage, and
rectification, as required, of the damaged parts.
This [Transport Canada] AD also mandates reporting of all
inspection results to Viking. The reporting of the inspection
results is necessary to assess the overall aileron internal
structural condition on in-service aeroplanes and to determine
additional corrective action based on the results of the
inspections.
Viking has published Service Bulletin (SB) V6/0066 Revision A,
dated 9 December 2019, (referred to as ``the SB'' in this AD)
providing accomplishment instructions for the inspection,
rectification of the damaged parts, and reporting requirements.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
1003.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0066,
Revision A, dated December 9, 2019. The service information specifies
procedures for visually inspecting the entire aileron internal
structure, including front and rear spars, all aileron ribs, and upper
and lower skins; repairing or replacing any damaged part; and reporting
inspection results to Viking Air Limited technical support. 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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA reviewed Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0066,
Revision NC, dated August 29, 2019. The service information specifies
procedures for visually inspecting the aileron ribs, including ribs and
both sides of the hinge arm; repairing or replacing any damaged part;
and reporting inspection results to Viking Air Limited technical
support.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority,
it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining the unsafe condition described previously is likely
to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action.
The inspection reports will provide the FAA and Viking Air Limited
additional data for determining the damage present in the fleet. After
analyzing the data, the FAA may take further rulemaking action.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 series 110, DHC-
6 series 210, DHC-6 series 310, and DHC-6 series 320, and this proposed
AD would not because these models do not have an FAA type certificate.
Transport Canada Model DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, DHC-6 series
200, DHC-6 series 300, and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes correspond to FAA
Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400
airplanes, respectively.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 33 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA also estimates that it
would take about 3 work-hours per airplane to comply with the
inspection and 1 hour to comply with the reporting requirement of this
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators would be $11,220 or $340 per airplane.
In addition, the FAA estimates that any necessary follow-on actions
to replace an aileron would take 6 work-hours and require parts costing
$52,243, for a cost of $52,753 per airplane. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of airplanes that may need these actions.
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 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 currently 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 take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
[[Page 3238]]
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) 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.
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:
Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier
Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2020-1003; Project
Identifier MCAI-2020-00962-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 7, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (type certificate
previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model
DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes,
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5700, Wing
Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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 identifies the unsafe condition as cracks and
corrosion damage to the aileron internal structure. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks and other damage to the
aileron internal structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in progressive looseness of the aileron at the hinge
support rib push-pull rod attachment, flutter condition, and
degraded or loss of aileron control, which could lead to loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Replacement of the Aileron
At the compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of
this AD, inspect the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) aileron
internal structures for cracks, corrosion, and other damage and take
any necessary corrective actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions, steps II.A. through II.A.3. of Viking
DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0066, Revision A, dated
December 9, 2019 (Viking SB V6/0066, Revision A).
(1) For each LH or RH aileron that has accumulated 16,000 or
more hours time-in-service (TIS), 32,000 or more flight cycles (FC),
or 10 or more years since first installation on an airplane,
whichever occurs first: Within 6 months after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) For each LH or RH aileron that has accumulated less than
16,000 hours TIS, less than 32,000 FC, and less than 10 years since
first installation on an airplane: Within 6 months after
accumulating 16,000 hours TIS, 32,000 FC, or 10 years, whichever
occurs first.
(h) Reporting Requirement
Within 30 days after the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)
or (2) of this AD or within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later, report to Viking the information
requested on the Inspection Reply Form, page 7, of Viking SB V6/
0066, Revision A.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed those actions before the
effective date of this AD using Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service
Bulletin V6/0066, Revision NC, dated August 29, 2019.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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 the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Deep Gaurav,
Aviation Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515 Stewart
Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7300; fax: (516) 794-
5331; email: [email protected].
(2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2020-05, dated March 13,
2020, for more information. You may examine the Transport Canada AD
in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1003.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia,
Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; email:
[email protected]; website: https://www.vikingair.com. You may review this referenced service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Issued on January 13, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00994 Filed 1-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
