82 FR 44898 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 186 (September 27, 2017)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the discovery of cracking on two test spoiler power control unit (PCU) manifolds during testing by the manufacturer. This AD requires replacement of affected spoiler PCUs. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44898-44900]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20213]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8434; Product Identifier 2015-NM-082-AD; Amendment 
39-19057; AD 2017-19-27]
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-8-401 and -402 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by the discovery of cracking on two test spoiler power control 
unit (PCU) manifolds during testing by the manufacturer. This AD 
requires replacement of affected spoiler PCUs. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 1, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For Bombardier, Inc., service information identified in this 
final rule, 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.
    For Parker-Hannifin Corporation service information identified in 
this final rule, contact Parker Aerospace, 14300 Alton Parkway, Irvine, 
CA 92618; telephone 949-833-3000; fax 949-809-8646; Internet http://www.parker.com.
    You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 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-
8434.

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-
8434; 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 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 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7318; 
fax 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain 
Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. The SNPRM 
published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2017 (82 FR 32496) (``the 
SNPRM''). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on January 13, 2016 (81 
FR 1586) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM proposed to require replacement of 
affected spoiler PCUs. The NPRM was prompted by the discovery of 
cracking on two test spoiler PCU manifolds during testing by the 
manufacturer. The SNPRM proposed to require replacement of affected 
spoiler PCUs, and also proposed to add airplanes to the applicability. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the spoiler PCUs that 
could lead to the loss of multiple flight controls and landing gear 
systems.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2015-07R2,

[[Page 44899]]

dated December 14, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-401 and -402 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During endurance and impulse testing of the spoiler PCU, cracks 
were discovered on two test spoiler PCU manifolds. Investigation 
determined that the crack initiation was due to the heat treat 
process. A cracked spoiler PCU manifold could cause the loss of one 
of the two hydraulic systems, resulting in the loss of multiple 
flight controls and landing gear systems. This condition, if not 
corrected, could adversely affect the continued safe operation and 
landing of the aeroplane.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the replacement of the affected 
spoiler PCUs.
    Revision 1 of this [Canadian] AD was issued to extend the 
applicability to include additional aeroplane serial numbers and 
also modify the Corrective Actions to specifically mandate section 
3.B of the [Bombardier Service Bulletin] SB 84-27-64, Revision A.
    Revision 2 of this [Canadian] AD was issued to correct the SB 
referenced in the Background section. SB 84-27-64, Revision A should 
have been referenced in lieu of SB 84-27-63, Revision A.

    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-
8434.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM or on the determination 
of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant 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 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued Service Bulletin 84-27-64, Revision A, 
dated July 26, 2016. This service information describes procedures for 
replacement of affected spoiler PCU manifolds.
    Parker-Hannifin Corporation has issued Service Bulletin 390700-27-
002, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2016. This service bulletin identifies 
affected spoiler PCUs.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 82 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove and replace affected PCUs......  2 work-hours x $85 per           $10,000         $10,170        $833,940
                                         hour = $170.
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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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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.

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):

2017-19-27 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19057; Docket No. FAA-
2015-8434; Product Identifier 2015-NM-082-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 1, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

[[Page 44900]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-401 and -402 
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers (S/Ns) 4001, 
and 4003 through 4527 inclusive, equipped with spoiler power control 
unit (PCU) part numbers (P/Ns) 390700-1007 and -1009 and that have 
any spoiler PCU serial number identified in paragraph (c)(1), 
(c)(2), or (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) S/Ns 0474 through 1321 inclusive;
    (2) S/Ns identified in section ``4. Appendix'' of Parker Service 
Bulletin 390700-27-002, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2016; and
    (3) S/Ns 1394 through 1876 inclusive, without suffix ``A.''

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the discovery of cracking on two test 
spoiler PCU manifolds during testing by the manufacturer. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the spoiler PCUs that could 
lead to the loss of multiple flight controls and landing gear 
systems.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Removal/Replacement

    Within 12,000 flight hours or 72 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Remove and replace the affected 
spoiler PCUs in accordance with paragraph 3.B. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-64, Revision A, 
dated July 26, 2016.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    After the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have been 
done, no person may install on any airplane, a spoiler PCU, part 
number 390700-1007 and -1009, with:
    (1) S/Ns 0474 through 1321 inclusive; or
    (2) S/Ns identified in section ``4. Appendix'' of Parker Service 
Bulletin 390700-27-002, Revision 1, dated April 13, 2016; or
    (3) S/Ns 1394 through 1876 inclusive, without suffix ``A.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-27-64, dated 
July 15, 2014.

(j) Other FAA 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 local Flight Standards District 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; 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.
    (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 
Branch, 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-2015-07R2, dated December 
14, 2016, 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-2015-8434.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Cesar Gomez, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone 516-228-7318; fax 516-794-5531.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(5) 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 84-27-64, Revision A, dated July 
26, 2016.
    (ii) Parker Service Bulletin 390700-27-002, Revision 1, dated 
April 13, 2016.
    (3) For Bombardier, Inc., 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) For Parker-Hannifin Corporation service information 
identified in this AD, contact Parker Aerospace, 14300 Alton 
Parkway, Irvine, CA, 92618; telephone 949-833-3000; fax 949-809-
8646; Internet http://www.parker.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (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 Renton, Washington, on September 14, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-20213 Filed 9-26-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P