80 FR 63420 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 202 (October 20, 2015)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes. This 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 AD requires replacing the DC generator control units (GCUs) with new GCUs and replacing the GCU label. 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.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 202 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63420-63422]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26218]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1985; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-214-AD; 
Amendment 39-18294; AD 2015-21-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, 
and -315 airplanes. This 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 AD requires replacing the DC 
generator control units (GCUs) with new GCUs and replacing the GCU 
label. 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.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 24, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 24, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-1985; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1985.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Bombardier, Inc. 
Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2015 
(80 FR 36493).
    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/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1985-0003.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 36493, June 25, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 36493, June 25, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 36493, June 25, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

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

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 92 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes about 3 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.

[[Page 63421]]

Required parts will cost up to $12,098 per product. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of this 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 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;
    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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=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 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-21-02 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-18294. Docket No. FAA-
2015-1985; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-214-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 24, 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 
the 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 Generator 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 
Modification Summary (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.
    (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 Aircraft Certification Office (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

[[Page 63422]]

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-2015-1985-0003.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) 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) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-84, Revision D, dated April 
10, 2014.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-89, Revision C, dated 
November 4, 2014.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 6, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26218 Filed 10-19-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P