Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes, 15609-15611 [2023-05060]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
(k) Exceptions to EASA AD 2022–0135
(1) The requirements specified in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2022–
0135 do not apply to this AD.
(2) Paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0135
specifies revising ‘‘the approved AMP’’
within 12 months after its effective date, but
this AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, within 90 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(3) The initial compliance time for doing
the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA
AD 2022–0135 is at the applicable
‘‘limitations’’ and ‘‘associated thresholds’’ as
incorporated by the requirements of
paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022–0135, or
within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(4) The provisions specified in paragraphs
(4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022–0135 do not
apply to this AD.
(5) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2022–0135 does not apply to this AD.
(l) New Provisions for Alternative Actions
and Intervals
After the existing maintenance or
inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections), and
intervals are allowed unless they are
approved as specified in the provisions of the
‘‘Ref. Publications’’ section of EASA AD
2022–0135.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
(m) Terminating Action for AD 2010–26–05
Accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g) or (j) of this AD terminates the
requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2010–
26–05 for Model FALCON 2000 airplanes
only.
(n) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (o) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov.
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, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Dassault
Aviation’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(o) Additional Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Mar 13, 2023
Jkt 259001
Large Aircraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–
231–3226; email Tom.Rodriguez@faa.gov.
(p) 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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on April 18, 2023.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2022–0135, dated July 6, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on March 31, 2021 (86 FR
11116, February 24, 2021).
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2020–0113, dated May 20, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For EASA ADs 2022–0135 and 2020–
0113, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
website easa.europa.eu. You may find these
EASA ADs on the EASA website at
ad.easa.europa.eu.
(6) You may view this material 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.
(7) You may view this material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records 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 February 25, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–05090 Filed 3–13–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2022–1653; Project
Identifier MCAI–2022–01193–T; Amendment
39–22370; AD 2023–05–01]
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: Final rule.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
15609
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by reports of
flap power unit (FPU) pressure switch
failures resulting in flap inoperative
events. This AD requires replacing the
FPU or replacing the FPU pressure
switch and reidentifying the FPU. This
AD also prohibits the installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective April 18,
2023.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of April 18, 2023.
DATES:
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD
docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA–2022–1653; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For service information identified
in this final rule, contact De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8
Series Customer Response Centre, 5800
Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario,
L4W 5K9, Canada; telephone North
America (toll-free): 855–310–1013,
Direct: 647–277–5820; email thd@
dehavilland.com; website
dehavilland.com.
• You may view this material 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.
It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2022–1653.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Administrative
Services 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.
E:\FR\FM\14MRR1.SGM
14MRR1
15610
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA–2022–1653.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited Model DHC–8–400
series airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on December 23,
2022 (87 FR 78881). The NPRM was
prompted by AD CF–2022–52, dated
September 1, 2022, issued by Transport
Canada, which is the aviation authority
for Canada (Transport Canada AD CF–
2022–52) (also referred to as the MCAI).
The MCAI states there have been
increasing reports of FPU pressure
switch failures, part number (P/N)
150135–1 or P/N 162660–1, over the
past year leading to a high number of
flap inoperative events in flight and on
the ground. An investigation has
determined the root cause to be a
deformation of the FPU pressure switch
internal mechanism due to hydraulic
pressure spikes. If not corrected, a failed
FPU pressure switch could lead to a
failure of the FPU resulting in abnormal
flap landings and increased landing
distances, which could require the use
of emergency landing procedures and/or
airfield diversions. The improved
pressure switch, P/N 162660–2, has a
restrictor insert in the pressure switch
inlet.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require replacing the FPU pressure
switch or the FPU. The NPRM also
proposed to prohibit the installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness
Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on
the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Explanation of Additional Changes
In the NPRM, the FAA inadvertently
omitted the operational test of the wing
flaps specified in Section 3.C. paragraph
(2) of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited Service Bulletin 84–27–75,
dated June 23, 2022, including Collins
Aerospace Service Bulletin 27–0029,
dated June 13, 2022. The MCAI requires
this step, which is important to ensure
the aircraft is airworthy before it is
returned to service. The FAA has
therefore revised paragraphs (g)(1) and
(2) of this AD to clarify that the
operational test is required by this AD.
The FAA has revised paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD to clarify that De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84–27–75, dated June 23, 2022,
including Collins Aerospace Service
Bulletin 27–0029, dated June 13, 2022,
is the appropriate service information
for accomplishing the actions in this
AD. The FAA had referred to these
bulletins separately, but since they are
published as one document, the FAA
corrected the citation.
Conclusion
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 referenced above. The FAA
reviewed the relevant data and
determined that air safety requires
adopting this AD as proposed.
Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on this
product. Except for minor editorial
changes, and any other changes
described previously, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the
economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84–27–75, dated June 23, 2022,
including Collins Aerospace Service
Bulletin 27–0029, dated June 13, 2022.
This service information specifies
procedures for replacing FPU P/N
C148656–1 or C148656–2 with a new
FPU P/N C148656–3, or replacing FPU
pressure switch P/N 150135–1 or
162660–1 within the FPU with a new
pressure switch P/N 162660–2 and reidentifying the FPU as P/N C148656–3,
and accomplishing an operational test of
the wing flaps. This material is
reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business
or by the means identified in ADDRESSES
section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 53 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Up to 6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510 ....................
Up to $3,000 ......................
Up to $3,510 ......................
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some or all
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Mar 13, 2023
Jkt 259001
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 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $186,030.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
E:\FR\FM\14MRR1.SGM
14MRR1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 14, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
(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 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:
■
2023–05–01 De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.):
Amendment 39–22370; Docket No.
FAA–2022–1653; Project Identifier
MCAI–2022–01193–T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective April 18, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft
of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
previously held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model
DHC–8–401 and –402 airplanes, certificated
in any category, serial numbers 4001 and
4003 through 4633 inclusive.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code: 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of flap
power unit (FPU) pressure switch failures
resulting in flap inoperative events. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address FPU pressure
switch failures. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in abnormal flap
landings and increased landing distances,
which could require the use of emergency
landing procedures and/or airfield
diversions.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Mar 13, 2023
Jkt 259001
(g) Requirements
Within 8,000 flight hours or 48 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first: Do the actions specified in either
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD.
(1) Replace FPU part number (P/N)
C148656–1 or C148656–2 with P/N C148656–
3 and do an operational test of the wing flaps
in accordance with Section 3.B. paragraph (1)
and Section 3.C. paragraph (2), of the
Accomplishment Instructions of De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84–27–75, dated June 23, 2022,
including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin
27–0029, dated June 13, 2022.
(2) Replace FPU pressure switch P/N
150135–1 or 162660–1 with P/N 162660–2,
reidentify the FPU as P/N C148656–3, and do
an operational test of the wing flaps in
accordance with Section 3.B. paragraph (2)
and Section 3.C. paragraph (2), of the
Accomplishment Instructions of De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84–27–75, dated June 23, 2022,
including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin
27–0029, dated June 13, 2022.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install a FPU having P/N C148656–1 or
C148656–2 or a FPU pressure switch having
P/N 150135–1 or 162660–1 on any airplane.
(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; or De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited’s Transport
Canada Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF–
2022–52, dated September 1, 2022, for
related information. This Transport Canada
AD may be found in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–
2022–1653.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Administrative
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
15611
Services 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.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference 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 84–27–75, dated June 23,
2022, including Collins Aerospace Service
Bulletin 27–0029, dated June 13, 2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): De Havilland
issued De Havilland Service Bulletin 84–27–
75, dated June 23, 2022, with Collins
Aerospace Service Bulletin 27–0029, dated
June 13, 2022, attached as one ‘‘merged’’ file
for the convenience of affected operators.
(ii) [Reserved]
(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 North America (toll-free): 855–
310–1013, Direct: 647–277–5820; email thd@
dehavilland.com; website dehavilland.com.
(4) You may view this material 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 material that is
incorporated by reference at the National
Archives and Records 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 March 2, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–05060 Filed 3–13–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 62
[EPA–R01–OAR–2022–0515; FRL–10220–
02–R1]
Approval and Promulgation of State
Plans for Designated Facilities and
Pollutants: Maine; 111(d)/129 Revised
State Plan for Large Municipal Waste
Combustors and State Plan for Small
Municipal Waste Combustors
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\14MRR1.SGM
14MRR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15609-15611]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05060]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1653; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01193-T;
Amendment 39-22370; AD 2023-05-01]
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: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of flap power unit (FPU)
pressure switch failures resulting in flap inoperative events. This AD
requires replacing the FPU or replacing the FPU pressure switch and
reidentifying the FPU. This AD also prohibits the installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 18, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 18,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1653; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For service information identified in this final rule,
contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer
Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9,
Canada; telephone North America (toll-free): 855-310-1013, Direct: 647-
277-5820; email dehavilland.com">[email protected]dehavilland.com; website dehavilland.com.
You may view this material 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. It is also available in the AD docket at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1653.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7300; email [email protected].
[[Page 15610]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2022 (87 FR 78881).
The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2022-52, dated September 1, 2022, issued
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada
(Transport Canada AD CF-2022-52) (also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states there have been increasing reports of FPU pressure switch
failures, part number (P/N) 150135-1 or P/N 162660-1, over the past
year leading to a high number of flap inoperative events in flight and
on the ground. An investigation has determined the root cause to be a
deformation of the FPU pressure switch internal mechanism due to
hydraulic pressure spikes. If not corrected, a failed FPU pressure
switch could lead to a failure of the FPU resulting in abnormal flap
landings and increased landing distances, which could require the use
of emergency landing procedures and/or airfield diversions. The
improved pressure switch, P/N 162660-2, has a restrictor insert in the
pressure switch inlet.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing the FPU pressure
switch or the FPU. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation
of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1653.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Explanation of Additional Changes
In the NPRM, the FAA inadvertently omitted the operational test of
the wing flaps specified in Section 3.C. paragraph (2) of De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23,
2022, including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June
13, 2022. The MCAI requires this step, which is important to ensure the
aircraft is airworthy before it is returned to service. The FAA has
therefore revised paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD to clarify that
the operational test is required by this AD.
The FAA has revised paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to clarify that De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated
June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029,
dated June 13, 2022, is the appropriate service information for
accomplishing the actions in this AD. The FAA had referred to these
bulletins separately, but since they are published as one document, the
FAA corrected the citation.
Conclusion
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
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product.
Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described
previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace
Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022. This service information
specifies procedures for replacing FPU P/N C148656-1 or C148656-2 with
a new FPU P/N C148656-3, or replacing FPU pressure switch P/N 150135-1
or 162660-1 within the FPU with a new pressure switch P/N 162660-2 and
re-identifying the FPU as P/N C148656-3, and accomplishing an
operational test of the wing flaps. This material is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES
section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 53 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $3,000........... Up to $3,510........... Up to $186,030.
$510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact
on affected operators.
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
[[Page 15611]]
(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 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:
2023-05-01 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22370; Docket No.
FAA-2022-1653; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01193-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 18, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type
Certificate previously held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC-8-401 and
-402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001
and 4003 through 4633 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of flap power unit (FPU)
pressure switch failures resulting in flap inoperative events. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address FPU pressure switch failures. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in abnormal flap
landings and increased landing distances, which could require the
use of emergency landing procedures and/or airfield diversions.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Within 8,000 flight hours or 48 months after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do the actions specified in
either paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD.
(1) Replace FPU part number (P/N) C148656-1 or C148656-2 with P/
N C148656-3 and do an operational test of the wing flaps in
accordance with Section 3.B. paragraph (1) and Section 3.C.
paragraph (2), of the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23,
2022, including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated
June 13, 2022.
(2) Replace FPU pressure switch P/N 150135-1 or 162660-1 with P/
N 162660-2, reidentify the FPU as P/N C148656-3, and do an
operational test of the wing flaps in accordance with Section 3.B.
paragraph (2) and Section 3.C. paragraph (2), of the Accomplishment
Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace
Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a FPU having
P/N C148656-1 or C148656-2 or a FPU pressure switch having P/N
150135-1 or 162660-1 on any airplane.
(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; or De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited's Transport Canada Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-52, dated September 1,
2022, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found
in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1653.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Gabriel Kim,
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7300; email [email protected].
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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-
27-75, dated June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace Service
Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): De Havilland issued De Havilland
Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23, 2022, with Collins
Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022, attached as
one ``merged'' file for the convenience of affected operators.
(ii) [Reserved]
(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 North America (toll-free): 855-310-1013, Direct:
647-277-5820; email dehavilland.com">[email protected]dehavilland.com; website dehavilland.com.
(4) You may view this material 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 material 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 2, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-05060 Filed 3-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P