[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 203 (Thursday, October 21, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61758-61760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-23365]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD; Amendment 39-13827; AD 2004-21-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; deHavilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. I and 
DHC-2 Mk. II Airplanes and Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
deHavilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes and for 
all Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by radial 
engines. This AD requires you to visually inspect the firewall 
connector plugs for proper lockwire security and replace or modify as 
appropriate. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for Canada. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of ignition systems 
during flight caused by improper lockwire security, which could result 
in engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on December 6, 2004.
    As of December 6, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD 
from Bombardier Commercial Service Center, Plant 9, C.P. 6087 Succurale 
Centre-ville, Montreal QC H3C 3G9, Canada.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7330; 
facsimile: (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? Transport Canada, which is the 
airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on all deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. 
II airplanes and all Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by 
radial engines. Transport Canada reports that a DHC-3 airplane lost 
both ignition systems during flight.
    The lockwire hole in the connector plug on the firewall broke and 
the plug vibrated loose. Both magnetos then grounded through a spring-
loaded center pin in the plug (a maintenance safety feature).
    The DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes have a similar ignition 
system.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not detected 
and corrected, failure of the lockwire hole could result in engine 
failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the airplane.
    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to all deHavilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. 
I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes, and all Bombardier Inc. (Otter) DHC-3 
airplanes powered by radial engines of the same type. This proposal was 
published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) on April 12, 2004 (69 FR19132). The NPRM proposed to require you 
to visually inspect the firewall connector plugs for proper lockwire 
security and replace or modify as appropriate.

Comments

Comment Issue No. 1: Incorporate Revision ``B'' of the Applicable 
Service Bulletins

    What is the commenter's concern? The manufacturer has revised the 
applicable service bulletins to clarify the information presented in 
the

[[Page 61759]]

Description and in the Accomplishment Instructions.
    The revisions delete the requirement to remove the upholstery in 
order to perform the visual inspections and delete the requirement to 
inspect the receptacle. The receptacle is attached with four self-
locking nuts. Lockwire is not used to secure these nuts.
    The manufacturer wants the revised service bulletins incorporated 
into the final rule AD action.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the commenter 
and will make these changes in the final rule AD action.

Comment Issue No. 2: Update the Manufacturer's Address

    What is the commenter's concern? The manufacturer has provided an 
updated address and wants it incorporated into the final rule AD 
action.
    What is FAA's response to the concern? We concur with the commenter 
and will make these changes in the final rule AD action.

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for the 
changes discussed above and minor editorial corrections. We have 
determined that these changes and minor corrections:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 242 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
inspection(s):

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                                                            Total cost per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost          airplane         Total cost on U.S.  operators
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2 workhours x $65 per hour = $130..  Not applicable.......            $130  $130 x 242 = $31,460.
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    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
replacements that will be required based on the results of the 
inspection(s). We have no way of determining the number of airplanes 
that may need these replacements:

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                Labor cost                          Parts cost               Total cost per replacement part
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2 workhours x $65 per hour = $130........  Firewall connector plug =    $130 + $152 = $282.
                                            $152 each. Lockwire =
                                            minimal cost.
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Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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); and
    3. 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2004-21-06 deHavilland Inc. and Bombardier Inc.: Amendment 39-13827; 
Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on December 6, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

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                   Model                             Serial Nos.
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deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I...................  All.
deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. II..................  All.

[[Page 61760]]

 
Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3..................  All serial numbers powered
                                             by radial engines.
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What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Canada. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of ignition systems during 
flight caused by improper lockwire security, which could result in 
engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the 
airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

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           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
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(1) Inspect the following:..  Initially inspect     Follow deHavilland
(i) connector plugs on the     within the next 100   Beaver Alert
 fore side of the firewall     hours time-in-        Service Bulletin
 for security;.                service (TIS) after   Number A2/53,
(ii) the connector plug        December 6, 2004      Revision B, dated
 lockwire to ensure it is      (the effective date   May 28, 2004; and
 intact and the holes in the   of this AD).          deHavilland Otter
 plugs are not broken out or   Repetitively          Alert Service
 cracked..                     inspect thereafter    Bulletin Number A3/
                               at intervals not to   53, Revision B,
                               exceed 100 hours      dated May 28, 2004,
                               TIS.                  as applicable.
(2) If during any inspection  Prior to further      Follow deHavilland
 required in paragraph         flight after any      Beaver Alert
 (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of   inspection required   Service Bulletin
 this AD:                      by paragraphs         Number A2/53,
(i) the lockwire holes are     (e)(1)(i) and         Revision B, dated
 found damaged, replace the    (e)(1)(ii) of this    May 28, 2004; and
 connector plug with a new     AD.                   deHavilland Otter
 part of the same number;                            Alert Service
 and.                                                Bulletin Number A3/
(ii) the lockwire is                                 53, Revision B,
 damaged, replace the                                dated May 28, 2004,
 lockwire..                                          as applicable.
(3) When the connector plugs  Prior to further      Follow the
 are replaced, do an           flight after any      applicable
 operational check of the      replacement           maintenance manual
 magnetos and correct as       required by           procedures.
 appropriate.                  paragraph (e)(2)(i)
                               this AD.
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    Note: We recommend you insert de Havilland Inc. Temporary 
Revision No. 2-24, dated August 24, 2001, and Temporary Revision No. 
14, dated August 24, 2001, into the applicable maintenance manual.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Mazdak Hobbi, 
Aerospace Engineer, New York ACO, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 
410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7330; facsimile: 
(516) 794-5531.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in deHavilland Beaver Alert Service Bulletin Number A2/
53, Revision B, dated May 28, 2004; and deHavilland Otter Alert 
Service Bulletin Number A3/53, Revision B, dated May 28, 2004. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from Bombardier 
Commercial Service Center, Plant 9, C.P. 6087 Succurale Centre-
ville, Montreal QC H3C 3G9, Canada. You may review copies at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 12, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-23365 Filed 10-20-04; 8:45 am]
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