80 FR 36493 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 122 (June 25, 2015)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of un-annunciated failures of the direct current (DC) starter generator, which caused caution indicators of the affected systems to illuminate and prompted emergency descents and landings. This proposed AD would require, for certain airplanes, replacing the DC generator control units (GCUs) with new GCUs and replacing the GCU label. We are proposing this AD to prevent a low voltage condition on the left main DC bus which, during critical phases of flight, could result in the loss of flight management, navigation, and transponder systems, and could affect continued safe flight.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 122 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36493-36495]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15505]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 122 / Thursday, June 25, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 36493]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1985; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-214-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, 
-311, and -315 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of 
un-annunciated failures of the direct current (DC) starter generator, 
which caused caution indicators of the affected systems to illuminate 
and prompted emergency descents and landings. This proposed AD would 
require, for certain airplanes, replacing the DC generator control 
units (GCUs) with new GCUs and replacing the GCU label. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent a low voltage condition on the left main 
DC bus which, during critical phases of flight, could result in the 
loss of flight management, navigation, and transponder systems, and 
could affect continued safe flight.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 10, 2015.

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 http://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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, 
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-
4539; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1985; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Services Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7301; fax 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-1985; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-214-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2014-31R2, dated November 11, 2014 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-
102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. The MCAI 
states:

    Four occurrences of un-annunciated failure of the No. 1 Direct 
Current (DC) Starter Generator prompted emergency descents and 
landings resulting from the illumination of numerous caution 
indications of the affected systems. The functionality of the 
affected systems such as Flight Management System, Navigation, and 
transponder systems, were reportedly reduced or lost. Investigation 
determined the failure was a result of a low voltage condition of 
the Left Main DC Bus. During critical phases of flight, the loss of 
these systems could affect continued safe flight.
    The original issue of this [Canadian] AD mandated the 
modification [replacing certain DC GCUs with new GCUs and replacing 
labels] which introduces generator control unit (GCU) undervoltage 
protection.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD added a GCU part number to the 
applicability of Part III of this [Canadian] AD, in order to ensure 
that all units are fitted with a warning label.
    Revision 2 of this [Canadian] AD corrects the GCU part number in 
the applicability of Part III of this [Canadian] AD.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1985.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service bulletins.
     Service Bulletin 8-24-84, Revision D, dated April 10, 
2014. This service information describes incorporating Bombardier 
modification summary (ModSum) 8Q101710 by replacing the

[[Page 36494]]

GCU with a new GCU, and replacing the GCU label for airplanes having 
certain Phoenix DC power GCU part numbers.
     Service Bulletin 8-24-89, Revision C, dated November 4, 
2014. This service information describes incorporating Bombardier 
ModSum 8Q101925 by replacing the GCU with a new GCU, and replacing the 
GCU label for airplanes having certain Goodrich DC power GCU part 
numbers.
    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 of this 
NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 92 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost up to 
$12,098 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be up to $1,136,476, or up to 
$12,353 per product.

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.
    We are 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

    We 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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 (AD):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2015-1985; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-214-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 10, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, 
-201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, serial numbers 003 through 672 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of un-annunciated failures of 
direct current (DC) starter generator, which caused caution 
indicators of the affected systems to illuminate and prompted 
emergency descents and landings. We are issuing this AD to prevent a 
low voltage condition on the left main DC bus which, during critical 
phases of flight, could result in the loss of flight management, 
navigation, and transponder systems, and could affect continued safe 
flight.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) For Airplanes Having Certain Generation Control Units (GCUs) 
Installed: Replacement of DC GCUs and GCU labels

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions specified 
in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes having Goodrich DC GCU part number 51539-008B, 
51539-008C, or 51539-008D installed: Incorporate Bombardier ModSum 
8Q101925 by replacing the GCU with a new GCU, and replacing the GCU 
label, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-89, Revision C, dated November 4, 
2014.
    (2) For airplanes having Phoenix DC GCU part number GC-1010-24-
5DIII or GC-1010-24-5DII installed: Incorporate Bombardier ModSum 
8Q101710 by replacing the GCU with a new GCU, and replacing the GCU 
label, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-84, Revision D, dated April 10, 
2014.

(h) For Airplanes Having Certain Other GCUs Installed: Replacement of 
DC GCU Label

    For airplanes having Phoenix DC GCU part number GC-1010-24-5DIV 
or GC-1010-24-5DV installed: Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace 
the DC GCU label with a new GCU label, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-84, 
Revision D, dated April 10, 2014.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iii) of this AD, as 
applicable. This service information is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-89, dated November 12, 
2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-89, Revision A, dated 
August 8, 2012.

[[Page 36495]]

    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-89, Revision B, dated 
April 9, 2014.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g)(2) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using the service 
information specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) through (i)(2)(iv) of 
this AD, as applicable. This service information is not incorporated 
by reference in this AD.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-84, dated August 22, 2008.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-84, Revision A, dated 
August 23, 2008.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-84, Revision B, dated 
October 15, 2008.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-84, Revision C, dated July 
7, 2009.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO, ANE-170, 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Program 
Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO, 
ANE-170, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2014-31R2, dated November 
14, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1985.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt 
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; 
fax 416-375-4539; email [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 17, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15505 Filed 6-24-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P