82 FR 52644 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 218 (November 14, 2017)

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-13-14, which applied to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2016-13-14 required an inspection to determine if certain left and right main landing gear (MLG) retract actuator rod ends were installed, repetitive liquid penetrant inspections (LPIs) of affected left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD retains the actions specified in AD 2016-13-14 and also requires replacement of the left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends. This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked MLG retract actuator rod end. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 14, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52644-52647]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24166]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0712; Product Identifier 2017-NM-014-AD; Amendment 
39-19095; AD 2017-23-01]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-13-14, 
which applied to certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series 
airplanes. AD 2016-13-14 required an inspection to determine if certain 
left and right main landing gear (MLG) retract actuator rod ends were 
installed, repetitive liquid penetrant inspections (LPIs) of affected 
left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if 
necessary. This new AD retains the actions specified in AD 2016-13-14 
and also requires replacement of the left and right MLG retract 
actuator rod ends. This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked MLG 
retract actuator rod end. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 19, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 20, 
2016 (81 FR 43481, July 5, 2016).

ADDRESSES: For 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. 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-2017-0712.

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-2017-
0712; 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 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7329; 
fax: 516-794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2016-13-14, Amendment 39-18579 (81 FR 43481, 
July 5, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-14''). AD 2016-13-14 applied to certain 
Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on July 28, 2017

[[Page 52645]]

(82 FR 35127). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a cracked MLG 
retract actuator rod end. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the 
actions specified in AD 2016-13-14. The NPRM also proposed to require 
replacement of the left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the left and 
right MLG retract actuator rod ends, which could lead to left or right 
MLG collapse.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2016-16R1, dated June 
27, 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-8-400 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    There has been a single reported case of a cracked MLG retract 
actuator rod end in service. A supplier disclosure letter and 
subsequent Bombardier analysis indicate that the MLG retract 
actuator rod end P/N [part number] P3A2750 and P3A2750-1 may develop 
fatigue cracking. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to 
left hand (LH) or right hand (RH) MLG collapse.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the inspection [to determine if 
certain left and right main landing gear MLG retract actuator rod 
ends are installed, repetitive LPIs of affected left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if necessary], and 
replacement of the LH and RH MLG retract actuator rod ends P/N 
P3A2750 and P3A2750-1 [which is terminating action for the 
repetitive LPIs].
    This [Canadian] AD was revised to clarify paragraph B. and C. 
[of this Canadian AD], which specifies when the Liquid Penetrant 
Inspections (LPI) should begin.

    Corrective actions include replacing cracked MLG retract actuator 
rod ends. 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-2017-0712.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc., has issued Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, 
dated May 4, 2016. This service information describes procedures for an 
inspection to determine if certain left and right MLG retract actuator 
rod ends are installed, repetitive LPIs of the left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends, and replacement of left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends. 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 52 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The actions required by AD 2016-13-14, and retained in this AD, 
take about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the inspection 
that is required by AD 2016-13-14 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $2,019 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $118,248, or $2,274 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $2,019, for a cost of 
$2,274 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these actions.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our 
cost estimate.

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:


[[Page 52646]]


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


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-13-14, Amendment 39-18579 (81 FR 43481, July 5, 2016), and adding 
the following new AD:

2017-23-01 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19095; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0712; Product Identifier 2017-NM-014-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 19, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-13-14, Amendment 39-18579 (81 FR 43481, 
July 5, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-14'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400, -401 and -
402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001, 
and 4003 through 4325 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked main landing gear 
(MLG) retract actuator rod end. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking of the left and right MLG retract actuator 
rod ends, which could lead to left or right MLG collapse.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Part Number Inspection, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. Within 100 flight cycles after July 20, 
2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-13-14), inspect the left and 
right MLG retract actuator rod ends to determine if part number (P/
N) P3A2750 or P3A2750-1 is installed. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number can be conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Retained Repetitive Liquid Penetrant Inspections (LPIs), With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. For each left or right MLG retract 
actuator rod end having P/N P3A2750 or P3A2750-1: At the applicable 
time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, do an LPI 
to detect cracks of the MLG retract actuator rod end, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k) of 
this AD. Thereafter, repeat the LPI at intervals not to exceed 600 
flight cycles.
    (1) If the MLG retract actuator rod end has accumulated more 
than 6,000 flight cycles as of July 20, 2016 (the effective date of 
AD 2016-13-14): Inspect within 100 flight cycles after July 20, 
2016.
    (2) If the MLG retract actuator rod end has accumulated 6,000 
flight cycles or fewer as of July 20, 2016 (the effective date of AD 
2016-13-14): Inspect within 600 flight cycles after July 20, 2016.

(i) Retained Corrective Action, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. If any crack is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace the cracked MLG retract actuator rod end, P/N 
P3A2750 or P3A2750-1, with a MLG retract actuator rod end, P/N 
P3A6460, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD.

(j) Retained Optional Replacement, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the optional replacement specified in 
paragraph (j) of AD 2016-13-14, with no changes. Replacement of the 
left and right side MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N P3A2750 or 
P3A2750-1, with left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N 
P3A6460, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, constitutes terminating action 
for the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for 
that airplane.

(k) Retained Exception, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. If it is not possible to complete all 
the instructions in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 
4, 2016, because of the configuration of the airplane: Before 
further flight, repair 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).

(l) Retained Parts Installation Prohibition, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. As of July 20, 2016 (the effective date 
of AD 2016-13-14), no person may install a left or right MLG retract 
actuator rod end, P/N P3A2750 or P3A2750-1, on any airplane.

(m) New Requirement of This AD: Replacement

    Within 1,800 flight cycles after accomplishing the initial 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the left 
and right side MLG retract actuator rod ends having P/N P3A2750 or 
P3A2750-1, with left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends having 
P/N P3A6460, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Accomplishing this replacement 
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for 
that airplane.

(n) 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 TCCA; or Bombardier Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by 
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2016-16R1, dated June 27, 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-2017-0712.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, 
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone: 516-228-7329; fax: 516-794-5531.

(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 
July 20, 2016 (81 FR 43481, July 5, 2016).
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) 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.
    (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.

[[Page 52647]]

    (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 October 30, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24166 Filed 11-13-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P