Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes, 66619-66623 [2022-23594]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 213 / Friday, November 4, 2022 / Proposed Rules (g)(2) of AD 2008–18–09 for Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F airplanes only. (3) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates paragraph (h)(1) of AD 2010–13–12 for Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F airplanes only. (4) Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates paragraph (j) of AD 2010– 14–08. (5) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates paragraph (l) of AD 2011–06–03 for Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F airplanes only. (6) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates paragraph (h)(1) of AD 2014–15–14 for Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F airplanes only. (7) Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates paragraph (h) of AD 2016–19–03 for Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F airplanes only. (k) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-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 responsible Flight Standards 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Dorsey, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206–231–3415; email: Samuel.J.Dorsey@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717; internet myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Nov 03, 2022 Jkt 259001 Issued on September 19, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–23901 Filed 11–3–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1403; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00122–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, 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 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of corrosion where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced, which affected design margins. This proposed AD would require inspecting the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel for corrosion, and reworking, repairing, or replacing the lower center skin panel if necessary. 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 December 19, 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1403; or in person at SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 66619 Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporation by Reference: • For service information identified in this NPRM, contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9, Canada; telephone 855–310– 1013 or 647–277–5820; email thd@ dehavilland.com; website dehavilland.com. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yaser Osman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@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–2022–1403; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–00122–T’’ 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 the 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 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 E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1 66620 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 213 / Friday, November 4, 2022 / Proposed Rules 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 Yaser Osman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; email 9-avsnyaco-cos@faa.gov. 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 Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF– 2022–02, dated January 28, 2022 (TCCA AD CF–2022–02) (also referred to after this as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited model DHC– 8–401 and –402 airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2022–1403. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of corrosion where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced, which affected design margins. The root cause was found to be inconsistent chemical processing of the lower center skin panel, with missing anodizing layer and primer on some areas of the skin panel surface. The FAA is proposing this AD to address possible reduction of skin panel thickness due to the effects of corrosion, which could compromise the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer. See the MCAI for additional background information. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has issued Service Bulletin 84– 55–05, Revision C, dated August 19, 2021. This service information describes procedures for inspecting the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel for corrosion, and, depending on the level of corrosion, reworking or repairing the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has also issued Service Bulletin 84–55–11, dated February 16, 2021. This service information describes procedures for replacing the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. FAA’s Determination 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 the State of Design Authority, the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on 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 already described, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this NPRM and the MCAI or Service Information.’’ Differences Between This NPRM and the MCAI or Service Information TCCA AD CF–2022–02 specifies credit for repair, rework, or replacement of corroded horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel using certain repair drawings. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has informed the FAA that four additional repair drawings are also acceptable for credit. Therefore, paragraph (h)(2) of this proposed AD would provide credit for those additional repair drawings. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 56 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 108 work-hours × $85 per hour = $9,180 ................................................................................... $0 $9,180 $514,080 The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition replacements 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 this on-condition replacement: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 108 work-hours × $85 per hour = $9.180 ............................................................................................................... $21,449 $30,629 The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition repairs or rework specified in this proposed AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Nov 03, 2022 Jkt 259001 The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 reducing the cost impact on affected operators. E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 213 / Friday, November 4, 2022 / Proposed Rules 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. (e) Unsafe Condition (h) Credit for Previous Actions This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of corrosion where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced, which affected design margins. The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible substantial reduction of skin panel thickness due to the effects of corrosion, which could compromise the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer. (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–55–05, Initial Issue, dated January 12, 2016; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–55–05, Revision A, dated June 3, 2016; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–55–05, Revision B, dated February 26, 2021. (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using any of the repair drawings (RDs) specified in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD. Figure 1 to paragraph (h)—Repair Drawings 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: ■ De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Docket No. FAA– 2022–1403; Project Identifier MCAI– 2022–00122–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by December 19, 2022. (b) Affected ADs The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. (c) Applicability List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (f) Compliance Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Nov 03, 2022 This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial numbers 4001 and 4003 through 4549 inclusive. (d) Subject (g) Inspection and Corrective Actions The Proposed Amendment khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers. lower center skin panel for corrosion in accordance with Section 3.B. Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin 84–55–05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021. If any corrosion is found, before further flight, do the applicable actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD. (2) If the corrosion is within the allowable repair limits as specified in Figure 5 Detail C of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin 84–55–05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021, perform the corrosion rework in accordance with Section 3.B. Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin 84–55–05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021. (3) If the corrosion is beyond the allowable repair limits as specified in Figure 5 Detail C of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin 84–55–05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021, accomplish the action specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) Replace the existing horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin 84–55–11 Initial Issue, dated February 16, 2021. (ii) Obtain and follow repair instructions using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature. the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: None. Regulatory Findings Jkt 259001 66621 (1) Within 8,000 flight hours or 48 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the horizontal stabilizer PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1 66622 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 213 / Friday, November 4, 2022 / Proposed Rules RD Number Issue Date 8/4-55-1061 3 October 7, 2014 8/4-55-1064 2 October 27, 2014 8/4-55-1107 3 March 11, 2016 8/4-55-1110 2 March 11, 2016 8/4-55-1124 3 April 13, 2021 8/4-55-1138 1 June 3, 2015 8/4-55-1144 2 May 17, 2016 8/4-55-1166 2 June 29, 2016 8/4-55-1178 2 June 29, 2016 8/4-55-1200 2 June 29, 2016 8/4-55-1219 2 June 29, 2016 8/4-55-1363 1 October 28, 2016 8/4-55-1450 1 March 2, 2017 8/4-55-1484 1 April 11, 2017 8/4-55-1705 2 September 20, 2018 8/4-55-1837 1 October 4, 2019 8/4-55-1876 1 January 17, 2020 8/4-55-1967 1 November 15, 2020 8/4-55-1978 1 January 14, 2021 8/4-55-2009 1 June 10, 2021 (i) Additional 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 responsible Flight Standards 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. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Nov 03, 2022 Jkt 259001 (TCCA); or De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAOauthorized signature. (j) Related Information (1) Refer to TCCA AD CF–2022–02, dated January 28, 2022, for related information. This TCCA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1403. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Yaser Osman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@ faa.gov. (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD. (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 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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) De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–55–05, Revision C, dated August 19, 2021. (ii) De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84–55–11, dated February 16, 2021. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9, Canada; telephone 855–310–1013 or 647–277–5820; email thd@dehavilland.com; website dehavilland.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1 EP04NO22.061</GPH> khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Figure 1 to paragraph (h) - Repair Drawings Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 213 / Friday, November 4, 2022 / Proposed Rules Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on October 25, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–23594 Filed 11–3–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–C DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–1407; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01043–T] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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 Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of potential foreign object debris (FOD) contamination of the thermal relief valve (TRV). This proposed AD would require replacement of affected auxiliary power unit (APU) low pressure (LP) shut-off valves (SOVs), an inspection to detect fuel leaks of affected engine LP SOVs and APU isolation shut-off valves (ISOVs), and applicable corrective actions, and would prohibit installation of affected parts, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). 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 December 19, 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 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 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:46 Nov 03, 2022 Jkt 259001 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1407; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Material Incorporated by Reference: • For material that will be incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hassan Ibrahim, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3653; email Hassan.M.Ibrahim@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–2022–1407; Project Identifier MCAI–2022–01043–T’’ 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 regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 66623 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 Hassan Ibrahim, Aerospace Engineer, Large Aircraft Section, FAA, International Validation Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231– 3653; email Hassan.M.Ibrahim@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2022–0157, dated August 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022– 0157) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. The MCAI states that reports have been received from the manufacturer of the APU, the engine LP SOV, and the APU ISOV of potential FOD contamination of the TRV, which was generated by a quality escape during the manufacturing assembly process. Results of the technical investigation determined that FOD in the TRV may lead to a fuel leakage through the valve. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in case of an APU or engine fire, contribute to an uncontrolled fire, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane. The MCAI requires replacement of affected APU LP SOVs, a special detailed inspection (SDI) of affected engine LP SOVs and APU ISOVs to detect fuel leaks through the valve and, depending on findings, replacement with a serviceable engine LP SOV or APU ISOV. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2022–1407. E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 213 (Friday, November 4, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66619-66623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23594]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1403; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00122-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited 
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and 
-402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion 
on the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a 
finding of corrosion where the skin thickness had been substantially 
reduced, which affected design margins. This proposed AD would require 
inspecting the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel for 
corrosion, and reworking, repairing, or replacing the lower center skin 
panel if necessary. 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 December 
19, 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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1403; 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 mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporation by Reference:
     For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer 
Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9, 
Canada; telephone 855-310-1013 or 647-277-5820; email 
dehavilland.com">[email protected]dehavilland.com; website dehavilland.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yaser Osman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart 
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; 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-2022-1403; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-00122-T'' 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 
the 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 
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

[[Page 66620]]

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 Yaser Osman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion 
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected]. 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 Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2022-02, dated January 28, 
2022 (TCCA AD CF-2022-02) (also referred to after this as the MCAI), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada 
Limited model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in 
the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1403.
    This proposed AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the 
horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of 
corrosion where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced, 
which affected design margins. The root cause was found to be 
inconsistent chemical processing of the lower center skin panel, with 
missing anodizing layer and primer on some areas of the skin panel 
surface. The FAA is proposing this AD to address possible reduction of 
skin panel thickness due to the effects of corrosion, which could 
compromise the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer. See 
the MCAI for additional background information.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has issued Service Bulletin 
84-55-05, Revision C, dated August 19, 2021. This service information 
describes procedures for inspecting the horizontal stabilizer lower 
center skin panel for corrosion, and, depending on the level of 
corrosion, reworking or repairing the horizontal stabilizer lower 
center skin panel.
    De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has also issued Service 
Bulletin 84-55-11, dated February 16, 2021. This service information 
describes procedures for replacing the horizontal stabilizer lower 
center skin panel.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    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 the State of Design Authority, 
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI 
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD 
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
on 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 already described, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between this NPRM and the MCAI or Service Information.''

Differences Between This NPRM and the MCAI or Service Information

    TCCA AD CF-2022-02 specifies credit for repair, rework, or 
replacement of corroded horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel 
using certain repair drawings. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited 
has informed the FAA that four additional repair drawings are also 
acceptable for credit. Therefore, paragraph (h)(2) of this proposed AD 
would provide credit for those additional repair drawings.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 56 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108 work-hours x $85 per hour = $9,180.......................              $0           $9,180         $514,080
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements 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 this on-condition replacement:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
108 work-hours x $85 per hour = $9.180         $21,449          $30,629
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost 
estimates for the on-condition repairs or rework specified in this 
proposed AD.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected operators.

[[Page 66621]]

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 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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:

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously 
Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2022-1403; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2022-00122-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by December 19, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model 
DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes, certificated in any category, having 
serial numbers 4001 and 4003 through 4549 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the horizontal 
stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of corrosion 
where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced, which 
affected design margins. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
possible substantial reduction of skin panel thickness due to the 
effects of corrosion, which could compromise the structural 
integrity of the horizontal stabilizer.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (1) Within 8,000 flight hours or 48 months, whichever occurs 
first, after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the horizontal 
stabilizer lower center skin panel for corrosion in accordance with 
Section 3.B. Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of De 
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin 84-55-05 Revision C, 
dated August 19, 2021. If any corrosion is found, before further 
flight, do the applicable actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) or 
(3) of this AD.
    (2) If the corrosion is within the allowable repair limits as 
specified in Figure 5 Detail C of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada 
Service Bulletin 84-55-05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021, perform 
the corrosion rework in accordance with Section 3.B. Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada 
Service Bulletin 84-55-05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021.
    (3) If the corrosion is beyond the allowable repair limits as 
specified in Figure 5 Detail C of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada 
Service Bulletin 84-55-05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021, 
accomplish the action specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of 
this AD.
    (i) Replace the existing horizontal stabilizer lower center skin 
panel in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of De 
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Service Bulletin 84-55-11 Initial 
Issue, dated February 16, 2021.
    (ii) Obtain and follow repair instructions using a method 
approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA; or Transport 
Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or De Havilland Aircraft of Canada 
Limited's TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by 
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using De Havilland 
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05, Initial Issue, 
dated January 12, 2016; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited 
Service Bulletin 84-55-05, Revision A, dated June 3, 2016; De 
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05, 
Revision B, dated February 26, 2021.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using any of the repair 
drawings (RDs) specified in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD.

Figure 1 to paragraph (h)--Repair Drawings
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[[Page 66622]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04NO22.061

(i) Additional 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 responsible Flight Standards 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. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight 
Standards Office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO 
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or De 
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited's TCCA Design Approval 
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must 
include the DAO-authorized signature.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to TCCA AD CF-2022-02, dated January 28, 2022, for 
related information. This TCCA AD may be found in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1403.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Yaser Osman, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York 
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7300; email [email protected].
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(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) De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-
55-05, Revision C, dated August 19, 2021.
    (ii) De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 
84-55-11, dated February 16, 2021.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact De 
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer 
Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9, 
Canada; telephone 855-310-1013 or 647-277-5820; email 
dehavilland.com">[email protected]dehavilland.com; website dehavilland.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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

[[Page 66623]]

Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, email [email protected], or go to: 
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on October 25, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-23594 Filed 11-3-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C

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