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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 218 (Friday, November 9, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67254-67256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26774]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0806; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-022-AD; 
Amendment 39-17243; AD 2012-22-07]
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, -401, and -402 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of an in-service incident where the propeller de-
icing system became unavailable due to burnt/chafed wires within the 
alternating current contactor box (ACCB). This AD requires inspection 
for chafing, damage, and loose wiring within an ACCB and repair if 
necessary; and requires rework and re-identification of the wiring 
installation within each ACCB. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct damaged, chafed, or loose wiring within an ACCB, which could 
affect the operation of the windshield heater, ice detector, angle of 
attack (AOA) vane heater, pilot probe heater, engine intake heater, or 
propeller de-icing system, and subsequently adversely affect the 
airplane's flight characteristics in icing conditions.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 14, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 14, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
New York 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 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 16, 2012 (77 
FR 49394). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    There has been one (1) reported in-service incident where the 
propeller de-icing system became unavailable due to burnt/chafed 
wires within the Alternating Current Contactor Box (ACCB). There has 
also been a number of additional minor events of wires found chafed 
within ACCBs.
    An investigation revealed that inadequate clearance between the 
wires and metallic structure within the ACCB could cause chafed 
wires.
    Damaged, chafed or loose wiring within an ACCB could affect the 
operation of the windshield heater, ice detector, angle of attack 
(AOA) vane heater, pitot probe heater, engine intake heater or 
propeller de-icing system. Loss of one of these systems could 
adversely affect the aeroplane's flight characteristics in icing 
conditions.
    This [Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA)] Airworthiness 
Directive (AD) mandates the [visual] inspection [for damaged, 
chafed, and loose wiring within an ACCB and replace if necessary] 
and rectification [rework] of the wiring installation within each 
ACCB.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 49394, August 16, 
2012) 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 the 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 (77 FR 49394, August 16, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 49394, August 16, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 83 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 7 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $49,385, or $595 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 2 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$170 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these 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

[[Page 67255]]

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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 49394, August 16, 
2012), 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. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 AD:

2012-22-07 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17243. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0806; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-022-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 14, 
2012.

(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 and 
subsequent.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24: Electrical 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of an in-service incident where 
the propeller de-icing system became unavailable due to burnt/chafed 
wires within the alternating current contactor box (ACCB) due to 
inadequate clearance. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
damaged, chafed, or loose wiring within an ACCB, which could affect 
the operation of the windshield heater, ice detector, angle of 
attack (AOA) vane heater, pilot probe heater, engine intake heater, 
or propeller de-icing system, and subsequently adversely affect the 
airplane's flight characteristics in icing conditions.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Inspection

    For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4354 inclusive, 
and 4356 through 4366 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: 
Do a general visual inspection for chafing, damage, and insulation 
damage, and rework the wiring within the ACCB, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Bombardier service 
bulletin specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD. 
If any chafing, damage, or insulation damage is found, before 
further flight, replace the damaged wiring, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Bombardier service 
bulletin specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-47, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-48, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-49, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-50, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
ACCB having the combination of part numbers (P/N) and series 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this 
AD on any airplane.
    (1) P/N 1152130-6, series 1, 2, and 4.
    (2) P/N 1152148-6, series 1, 2, 4, and 5.
    (3) P/N 1152090-6, series 1, 2, and 4.
    (4) P/N 1152124-6, series 1, 2, 4, and 5.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the applicable service bulletin 
specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(4) of this AD, which are 
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-47, dated April 26, 2011.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-48, dated April 26, 2011.
    (3) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-49, dated April 26, 2011.
    (4) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-50, dated April 26, 2011.

(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 
directly to the ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing 
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, New York 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) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-03, 
dated January 11, 2012, and the service information specified in 
paragraphs (k)(1)(i) through (k)(1)(iv) of this AD, for related 
information.

[[Page 67256]]

    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-47, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-48, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-49, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-50, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (2) 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 thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet 
http://www.bombardier.com.

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-47, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-48, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-49, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-24-50, Revision A, dated 
September 14, 2011.
    (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 thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet 
http://www.bombardier.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the 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 24, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26774 Filed 11-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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