83 FR 43747 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 167 (August 28, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating from the windshields. This AD requires a revision to the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include an inspection of the windshield moisture seal for signs of cracks, erosion, wear, and other deterioration; doing that inspection and repair if necessary; and re-torqueing the screws that fasten the windshield heater terminal lugs and applying sealant to the screw heads of the windshield heaters. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43747-43750]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18273]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0118; Product Identifier 2017-NM-083-AD; Amendment 
39-19371; AD 2018-17-17]
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-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating from the windshields. 
This AD requires a revision to the maintenance or inspection program, 
as applicable, to include an inspection of the windshield moisture seal 
for signs of cracks, erosion, wear, and other deterioration; doing that 
inspection and repair if necessary; and re-torqueing the screws that 
fasten the windshield heater terminal lugs and applying sealant to the 
screw heads of the windshield heaters. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 2, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 2, 
2018.

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, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0118.

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-2018-
0118; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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: Steve Dzierzynski, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 
1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-
7367; 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-8-400 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on March 1, 2018 (83 FR 8810). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports of arcing and smoke emanating from the windshields. The NPRM 
proposed to require a revision to the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to include an inspection of the windshield 
moisture seal for signs of cracks, erosion, wear, and other 
deterioration; doing that inspection and repair if necessary; and re-
torqueing the screws that fasten the windshield heater terminal lugs 
and applying sealant to the screw heads of the windshield heaters.
    We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose windshield 
heater terminal lugs. Loose terminal lugs could create sparks that lead 
to burning of the lugs and, due to the excessive heat, cracking of the 
windshields. If not corrected, such a condition could cause a loss of 
cabin pressure resulting in an emergency descent.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD

[[Page 43748]]

CF-2017-18, dated May 26, 2017 (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 have been numerous reports of arcing and smoke emanating 
from the windshields. Review of these incidents revealed that the 
windshield heater terminal lugs tend to loosen over time. Loose 
terminal lugs could create sparks that lead to burning of the lugs 
and, due to the excessive heat, cracking of the windshields. If not 
corrected, this condition could cause a loss of cabin pressure 
resulting in an emergency descent.

    Required actions include a revision to the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to include an inspection of the 
windshield moisture seal for signs of cracks, erosion, wear, or other 
deterioration; doing that inspection and repair if necessary; and re-
torqueing the screws that fasten the windshield heater terminal lugs 
and applying sealant (Humiseal) to the screw heads of the windshield 
heaters. 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-2018-0118.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Revise Requirements Related to Temporary Revision (TR)

    Horizon Air requested that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD be 
revised to either refer to Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance 
Requirements Manual (MRM) Part 1, Revision 13, dated March 15, 2017 
(``MRM Part 1, Revision 13''), or include a statement that, ``When this 
temporary revision has been included in general revisions of the PSM 
[product support manual], the general revisions may be inserted in the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, provided the relevant 
information in the general revision is identical to that in Bombardier 
[Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Review Board Report] TR MRB-0099 [dated 
December 9, 2016 (``TR MRB-0099'')].'' The commenter noted that 
paragraph (g) of the proposed AD would require incorporation of TR MRB-
0099 and that this TR has already been incorporated into MRM Part 1, 
Revision 13.
    We agree to clarify the requirement in paragraph (g) of the AD. As 
noted by the commenter, the TR has already been incorporated into MRM 
Part 1, Revision 13. Therefore, if operators incorporate MRM Part 1, 
Revision 13, into the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
they are in compliance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD (i.e., since 
the MRM Part 1, Revision 13, contains the information in TR MRB-0099, 
by incorporating MRM Part 1, Revision 13, the operator is complying 
with the requirement to incorporate the information specified in TR 
MRB-0099). We have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to include a 
statement in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD that specifies if the 
information in TR MRB-0099 has been included in the general revisions 
of the maintenance requirements manual and the general revisions have 
been inserted in the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, 
the requirement of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is met.

Request To Include Instructions for Doing Inspection

    Horizon Air requested that Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 MRB Task 
561001E201, ``General Visual Inspection of the Windshield Moisture 
Seal,'' (``MRB Task 561001E201''), Task 56-10-01-210-801, of the 
Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Airplane Maintenance Manual, be included in 
paragraph (i) of the proposed AD as approved instructions for doing the 
inspection of the moisture seal on the left and right windshields.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have included information 
in Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD that guidance for doing the 
inspection of the moisture seal can be found in MRB Task 561001E201. We 
also re-designated Note 1 to paragraph (i) of the proposed AD to Note 2 
to paragraph (i) of this AD.

Request To Include Additional Information in Note 1 to Paragraph (i) of 
the Proposed AD

    Horizon Air requested that Note 1 to paragraph (i) of the proposed 
AD include PPG Sierracin Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) 56-10-12, 
Revision B, dated October 21, 2004. The commenter observed that Note 1 
to paragraph (i) of the proposed AD provided additional guidance for 
repair of the moisture seal and referred to PPG Aerospace 
Transparencies Abbreviated CMM, Part Number NP-157901, Revision 6, 
dated June 16, 2015. The commenter did not provide justification for 
this request.
    We partially agree with the commenter's request. We have moved the 
content of Note 1 to paragraph (i) of the proposed AD into Note 2 to 
paragraph (i) of this AD. Instead of Revision B, we have included 
Revision D, dated April 6, 2017, of PPG Sierracin CMM, 56-10-12, as an 
additional source of guidance for repair of the moisture seal.

Request To Exclude Job Set-Up and Close Out From Required Actions

    Horizon Air requested that only the sections of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-30-16, Revision A, dated 
September 27, 2017, that address the unsafe condition be specified in 
paragraph (j) of the proposed AD. The commenter stated that including 
the job set-up and close out sections of the Accomplishment 
Instructions restricts an operator's ability to perform other 
maintenance in conjunction with the incorporation of the actions 
specified in this service bulletin.
    We agree with the commenter's request to clarify which section of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-30-
16, Revision A, dated September 27, 2017, that operators must use to 
accomplish the actions required by paragraph (j) of this AD. We have 
revised paragraph (j) of this AD to specify that operators must do the 
applicable actions in accordance with paragraph 3.B., ``Procedure,'' of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-30-
16, Revision A, dated September 27, 2017.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-30-16, Revision A, dated 
September 27, 2017. This service information describes procedures for 
re-torqueing the screws that fasten the windshield heater terminal lugs 
and applying sealant to the screw heads of the windshield heaters.
    Bombardier has also issued Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Review Board 
Report Temporary Revision (TR) MRB-0099, dated December 9, 2016. This

[[Page 43749]]

temporary revision describes procedures for inspecting the moisture 
seal for the left and right windshields for signs of cracks, erosion, 
wear, and other deterioration.
    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 54 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/Re-torque/Seal......  Up to 3 work-hours x                 $0  Up to $255........  Up to $13,770.
                                  $85 per hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. 
Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
    We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide 
a cost estimate for the on-condition repair specified in this AD.

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):

2018-17-17 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-19371; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0118; Product Identifier 2017-NM-083-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 2, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400, -401, and 
-402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001 
through 4524 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and Rain 
Protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of arcing and smoke emanating 
from the windshields. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
loose windshield heater terminal lugs. Loose terminal lugs could 
create sparks that lead to burning of the lugs and, due to the 
excessive heat, cracking of the windshields. If not corrected, such 
a condition could cause a loss of cabin pressure resulting in an 
emergency descent.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision to Inspection or Maintenance Program

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise 
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
the task specified in Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Review 
Board Report Temporary Revision (TR) MRB-0099, dated December 9, 
2016.
    (2) If the information in Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance 
Review Board Report Temporary Revision (TR) MRB-0099, dated December 
9, 2016, has been included in the general revisions of the 
Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Requirements Manual and the 
general revisions have been inserted into the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, the requirement in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD is met.

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or 
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
in accordance with the

[[Page 43750]]

procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.

(i) Inspection and Corrective Action

    Within 1,600 flight hours or 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a general visual inspection 
of the moisture seal on the left and right windshields for signs of 
cracks, erosion, wear, and other deterioration (including 
discoloration, warping, or missing material). If any crack, erosion, 
wear, or other deterioration is found, before further flight, repair 
the moisture seal in accordance with 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.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD:  Additional guidance for 
inspection of the moisture seal can be found in Bombardier Q400 Dash 
8 Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Task 561001E201, ``General Visual 
Inspection of the Windshield Moisture Seal,'' (Task 56-10-01-210-
801, of the Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Airplane Maintenance Manual).


    Note 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Additional guidance for 
repair of the moisture seal can be found in PPG Aerospace 
Transparencies Abbreviated Component Maintenance Manual, Part Number 
NP-157901, Revision 6, dated June 16, 2015; and PPG Sierracin 
Component Maintenance Manual, 56-10-12, Part Number 802600, Revision 
D, dated April 6, 2017.

(j) Re-Torqueing and Sealing Screws

    Within 8,000 flight hours or 60 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Re-torque the windshield heater 
terminal lug screws for the left and right windshields and apply 
Humiseal to the screw heads of the windshield heaters, in accordance 
with paragraph 3.B., ``Procedure,'' of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-30-16, Revision A, 
dated September 27, 2017.

(k) 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2017-18, dated May 26, 2017, 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-2018-0118.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Steve 
Dzierzynski, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Administrative 
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7367; fax 516-794-
5531.

(m) 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 Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Review Board Report 
Temporary Revision (TR) MRB-0099, dated December 9, 2016.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-30-16, Revision A, dated 
September 27, 2017.
    (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 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on August 16, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18273 Filed 8-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P