81 FR 93798 - Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 246 (December 22, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes that supersedes AD 2016-19-08. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as corrosion of the elevator control rod and of the elevator actuating lever on the control column, which could cause these components to fail. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 246 (Thursday, December 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 93798-93801]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30039]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9527; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-036-AD; 
Amendment 39-18748; AD 2016-25-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III 
airplanes that supersedes AD 2016-19-08. This AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as corrosion of the elevator control rod and of the elevator 
actuating lever on the control column, which could cause these 
components to fail. We are issuing this AD to require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 22, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 24, 
2016 (81 FR 64053, September 19, 2016).
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 6, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Viking Air 
Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, British 
Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; telephone: (North America) (800) 663-8444; 
fax: (250) 656-0673; email: [email protected]; Internet: 
http://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. 
It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9527.

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-2016-
9527; 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 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
New

[[Page 93799]]

York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: (516) 794-
5531; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On September 8, 2016, we issued AD 2016-19-08, Amendment 39-18657 
(81 FR 64053, September 19, 2016) (``AD 2016-19-08''). That AD required 
actions intended to address an unsafe condition on all Viking Air 
Limited (Viking) Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III 
airplanes and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country.
    There is a required action in AD 2016-19-08 to insert temporary 
revisions into the Airworthiness Limitations section of the FAA-
approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). These 
revisions incorporate repetitive inspections of the elevator control 
rod assemblies, the elevator actuating lever, and the control column 
torque tube for corrosion, cracks, and/or other damage.
    Viking Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III 
airplanes are not certified under 14 CFR part 23--Airworthiness 
Standards: Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes 
and the associated FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance 
manual) does not include an Airworthiness Limitations section. 
Therefore, the requirement in AD 2016-19-08 to insert Temporary 
Revision No.: 2-38, dated March 4, 2015, and Temporary Revision No.: 
2T-14, dated March 4, 2015, into the Airworthiness Limitations section 
of the applicable Viking Aircraft DHC-2 Maintenance Manual is not 
enforceable.

Relative Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin 
Number: V2/0005, Revision `C', dated July 17, 2015. This service 
information describes procedures for doing detailed visual inspections 
of the elevator control rod assemblies, the elevator actuating lever on 
the control column, and the control column torque tube for corrosion, 
cracking, and/or other damage. This service bulletin also describes 
procedures for repairing or replacing damaged parts. 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because 
the way we addressed the actions in AD 2016-19-18 is unenforceable and 
the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design. The actions in this AD correct the 
unenforceability problem.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because we 
have already provided public notice on the intent of the actions in 
this AD. This AD only clarifies the repetitive inspection requirements 
of AD 2016-19-08 by correcting the means by which the repetitive 
inspections are done (in the AD versus maintenance manual). Therefore, 
we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before 
issuing this AD are unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9527; Directorate 
Identifier 2016-CE-036'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 135 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 11.5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic inspection requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the basic 
inspection requirements of this AD on U.S. operators to be $131,962.50, 
or $977.50 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $1,859, for a cost of 
$2,539 per product. Contact Viking Air Limited at the address 
identified in the ADDRESSES section of this AD for current pricing and 
lead time. We have no way of determining the number of products that 
may need these actions.
    There is no estimated cost of compliance difference between this AD 
and AD 2016-19-08 since there is no change in the number of affected 
airplanes or in the required actions.

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),

[[Page 93800]]

    (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.

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 removing Amendment 39-18657 (81 FR 
64053, September 19, 2016), and adding the following new AD:

2016-25-22 Viking Air Limited: Amendment 39-18748; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9527; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-036-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 22, 
2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-19-08, Amendment 39-18657 (81 FR 64053, 
September 19, 2016) (``AD 2016-19-08'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 
Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as corrosion of the 
elevator control rod and of the elevator actuating lever on the 
control column. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
corrosion and/or cracking of the elevator control rod assemblies and 
the elevator actuating lever, which if not detected and corrected, 
could cause these components to fail. This failure could result in 
loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in 
paragraphs (g) through (m) of this AD, unless already done.

(g) Initial Inspections

    Within the next 120 days after October 24, 2016 (the effective 
date retained from AD 2016-19-08) or within the next 100 hours time-
in-service (TIS) after October 24, 2016 (the effective date retained 
from AD 2016-19-08), whichever occurs first, do the following 
inspections in accordance with section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, 
paragraph D. of Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/
0005, Revision ``C'', dated July 17, 2015:
    (1) For airplanes with an installed elevator control rod 
assembly, part number (P/N) C2CF619A, do a detailed visual 
inspection of P/N C2CF619A for corrosion, cracking, and/or other 
damages.
    (2) For airplanes with an installed elevator control rod 
assembly, P/N CT2CF1021-1, do a detailed visual inspection of P/N 
CT2CF1021-1 for corrosion, cracking, and/or other damages.
    (3) For all airplanes, do a detailed visual inspection of the 
elevator actuating lever on the control column and the control 
column torque tube for corrosion, cracking and/or other damages.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    After each initial inspection required in paragraph (g) of this 
AD, at intervals not to exceed 400 hours TIS, repeat each inspection 
following section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D.2. of Viking 
DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ``C'', dated 
July 17, 2015.

(i) Replacement/Repair for P/N C2CF619A

    (1) If corrosion, cracking, or other damages are found during 
the initial inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD or 
any of the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (h) of this 
AD, before further flight, replace P/N C2CF619A with P/N C2CF619A-11 
following section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D. of Viking 
DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ``C'', dated 
July 17, 2015, or contact Viking Air Limited at the address 
specified in paragraph (q)(4) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair 
and incorporate the repair.
    (2) Within the next 120 days after October 24, 2016 (the 
effective date retained from AD 2016-19-08) or within the next 100 
hours TIS after October 24, 2016 (the effective date retained from 
AD 2016-19-08), whichever occurs first, you may replace P/N C2CF619A 
with P/N C2CF619A-11 instead of doing the initial inspection 
required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Do the replacement 
following section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D. of Viking 
DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ``C'', dated 
July 17, 2015.
    (3) After replacing P/N C2CF619A with P/N C2CF619A-11, you must 
still do the repetitive inspections of the elevator control rod 
assemblies as required in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(j) Replacement/Repair for P/N CT2CF1021-1

    (1) If corrosion, cracking, or other damages are found during 
the initial inspection required in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD or 
any of the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (h) of this 
AD, before further flight, replace the elevator control rod assembly 
with P/N CT2CF1021-1 that has been inspected and is free of 
corrosion, cracking, or other damages following section I. PLANNING 
INFORMATION, paragraph D. of Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin 
Number: V2/0005, Revision ``C'', dated July 17, 2015, or contact 
Viking Air Limited at the address specified in paragraph (q)(4) of 
this AD for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate the repair.
    (2) After replacing or repairing P/N CT2CF1021-1, you must still 
do the repetitive inspections of the elevator control rod assemblies 
as required in paragraph (h) of this AD.

(k) Repair of the Elevator Actuating Lever

    If corrosion, cracking, or other damages are found during the 
initial inspection required in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD and any 
of the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (h) of this AD, 
before further flight, contact Viking Air Limited at the address 
specified in paragraph (q)(4) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair 
and incorporate the repair.

(l) Restrictions

    As of December 22, 2016 (the effective date of this AD), do not 
install P/N C2CF619A or C2CF619A-9 as a replacement part.

(m) Life Limit for P/N C2CF619A

    As of October 24, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 
2016-19-08), elevator control rod assemblies, P/N C2CF619A, are 
life-limited to 15 years and must be replaced with P/N C2CF619A-11, 
which is not a life-limited part, at the following compliance time:
    (1) As of October 24, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 
2016-19-08), if the age of the installed P/N C2CF619A is known, it 
must be replaced before exceeding the life limit or within the next 
12 months after October 24, 2016 (the effective date retained from 
AD 2016-19-08), whichever occurs later.
    (2) As of October 24, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 
2016-19-08), if the age of the installed P/N C2CF619A is not known, 
it must be replaced within the next 12 months after October 24, 2016 
(the effective date retained from AD 2016-19-08).

(n) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Credit will be given for the initial inspections required in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD if they were done before 
October 24, 2016 (the effective date retained from AD 2016-19-08) 
following Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: 
V2/0005, Revision `NC', dated March 26, 2012; Viking Air Limited 
DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `A', dated 
November 7, 2014; or Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service

[[Page 93801]]

Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `B', dated March 4, 2015.

(o) 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), FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: (516) 794-
5531; email: [email protected].
    (i) Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the 
AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in 
the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, 
your local FSDO.
    (ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2016-19-08, Amendment 39-18657 (81 FR 
64053, September 19, 2016) are approved as AMOCs for this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(p) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF-2015-21, dated July 30, 
2015; Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/
0005, Revision `NC', dated March 26, 2012; Viking Air Limited DHC-2 
Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `A', dated 
November 7, 2014; Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin 
Number: V2/0005, Revision `B', dated March 4, 2015; Temporary 
Revision No.: 2-38, dated March 4, 2015, of VIKING PSM NO.: 1-2-2, 
AIRCRAFT: DHC-2 BEAVER, SERIES: ALL, PUBLICATION: MAINTENANCE 
MANUAL; and Temporary Revision No.: 2T-14, dated March 4, 2015, of 
VIKING PSM NO.: 1-2T-2, AIRCRAFT: DHC-2 TURBO BEAVER, SERIES: ALL, 
PUBLICATION: MAINTENANCE MANUAL, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9527.

(q) 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 
October 24, 2016 (81 FR 64053, September 19, 2016).
    (i) Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, 
Revision ``C'', dated July 17, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Viking Air Limited service information identified in 
this AD, contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De 
Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax: 250-
656-0673; telephone: (North America) (800) 663-8444; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins.
    (5) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9527.
    (6) 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 Kansas City, Missouri on December 8, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-30039 Filed 12-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P