[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 233 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70368-70371]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-26421]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD; Amendment 39-13886; AD 2004-24-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model 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 certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-3 airplanes modified with A.M. Luton's 
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number SA3777NM. This AD requires 
you to inspect the wiring for the heating blankets on P<INF>3</INF> and 
P<INF>Y</INF> pneumatic lines and the push-to-test function lights to 
ensure that they are wired to the correct schematic; replace the 
circuit breaker switch as applicable; and replace the flight manual 
supplement currently in use with Revision G, dated March 28, 2001 
(incorporates Revision I of Sheet 1 of Drawing 20075, ``Electrical 
System Schematic,'' dated October 10, 2000). This AD is the result of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for Canada. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct wiring installed in accordance with an incorrect drawing, 
which shows the pneumatic heating blankets to the P<INF>3</INF> and 
P<INF>Y</INF> pneumatic lines wired in series with the indicator 
lights, rather than parallel. This can result in reduced

[[Page 70369]]

current for the heating blankets and loss of pneumatic line heating, 
which can lead to loss of engine power or reverse propeller overspeed 
governing protection and ultimately loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on January 6, 2005.
    As of January 6, 2005, 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 A. M. Luton, 3025 Eldridge Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-48-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: Richard Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Special Certification Branch; telephone: (425) 917-6507; facsimile: 
(425) 917-6590.

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 Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-3 
airplanes modified with an A.M. Luton Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) number SA3777NM. Transport Canada reports a drawing error on 
Revisions G and H of Sheet 1 of the Electrical System Schematic Drawing 
20075, which shows the pneumatic heating blankets to the P<INF>3</INF> 
and P<INF>Y</INF> pneumatic lines wired in series with the indicator 
lights, rather than parallel. This can result in severely reduced 
electrical energy going to the heating blankets with loss of pneumatic 
line heating, which can lead to loss of engine power or reverse 
propeller overspeed governing protection.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Electrical 
installation using incorrect wiring configurations could result in the 
electrical energy being absorbed by the light bulbs with insufficient 
electrical energy for the heating blankets, which would allow ice to 
form in these lines due to condensation even though the indication 
lights show the lines being heated. This could result in loss of engine 
power or reverse propeller overspeed governing protection and lead to 
loss of control 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 certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-3 
airplanes modified with A.M. Luton's Supplemental Type Certificate 
(STC) number SA3777NM. This proposal was published in the Federal 
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 24, 2004 (69 
FR 29477). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the wiring for 
the heating blankets on P<INF>3</INF> and P<INF>Y</INF> pneumatic lines 
and the push-to-test function lights to ensure that they are wired to 
the correct schematic; replace the circuit breaker switch as 
applicable; and replace the flight manual supplement currently in use 
with Revision G, dated March 28, 2001 (incorporates Revision I of Sheet 
1 of Drawing 20075, ``Electrical System Schematic,'' dated October 10, 
2000).

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no 
comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the 
public.

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 minor 
editorial corrections. We have determined that these 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 32 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected airplanes? We have no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that may need the rewiring or circuit breaker switch 
replacement. We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Total cost per   Total cost on
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost       airplane     U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour est. $65 per hour = $65..............................            $100            $165          $5,280
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. 2003-CE-48-AD'' in your request.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority in Subtitle VII, 
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, General requirements. Under that 
section, the FAA is charged with prescribing minimum standards required 
in the

[[Page 70370]]

interest of safety for the design of aircraft. This regulation is 
within the scope of that authority since it corrects an unsafe 
condition in the design of the aircraft caused by incorrect wiring 
configurations that could result in the electrical energy being 
absorbed by the light bulbs with insufficient electrical energy for the 
heating blankets, which would allow ice to form in these lines due to 
condensation even though the indication lights show the lines being 
heated.

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:

2004-24-10 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-13886; Docket No. 2003-CE-
48-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on January 6, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the Model DHC-3 airplanes, all serial 
numbers, that are:
    (1) Modified with STC number SA3777NM; and
    (2) Certificated in any category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of a drawing error on Revisions G and 
H of Sheet 1 of Drawing 20075, Electrical System Schematic. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct 
wiring installed according to an incorrect drawing, which shows the 
pneumatic heating blankets to the P<INF>3</INF> and P<INF>Y</INF> 
pneumatic lines wired in series with the indicator lights, rather 
than parallel. This can result in insufficient electrical energy for 
the heating blankets and loss of pneumatic heating, which can lead 
to loss of engine power or reverse propeller overspeed governing 
protection and ultimately loss of control of the airplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the electrical    Inspect within 4      Follow the
 wiring to the P3 and PY       months after          procedures in the
 engine pneumatic line         January 6, 2005       A.M. Luton Service
 heating blankets and the P3   (the effective date   Information Letter
 heater warning light to       of this AD) or 300    SIL-00-10-10,
 determine if they are wired   hours time in         revision dated,
 in a parallel                 service (TIS) after   March 22, 2001.
 configuration. If they are    January 6, 2005
 not wired in a parallel       (the effective date
 configuration, they must be   of this AD),
 rewired.                      whichever occurs
                               first. Rewire prior
                               to further flight
                               after the
                               inspection.
(2) Replace Flight Manual     Replace within 4      Follow the
 Supplement currently in use   months after          procedures in the
 with Revision G, dated        January 6, 2005       A.M. Luton Service
 March 28, 2001. This flight   (the effective date   Information Letter
 manual revision corrects      of this AD) or 300    SIL-00-10-10,
 the drawing error on          hours TIS after       revision dated,
 Revisions G and H of Sheet    January 6, 2005       March 22, 2001.
 1 of the Electrical System    (the effective date
 Schematic Drawing 20075 by    of this AD),
 incorporating Revision I of   whichever occurs
 Sheet 1 of Drawing 20075,     first.
 ``Electrical System
 Schematic,'' dated October
 10, 2000.
    (i) The owner/operator
     holding at least a
     private pilot
     certificate as
     authorized by section
     43.7 of the Federal
     Aviation Regulations
     (14 CFR 43.7) may
     accomplish the flight
     manual replacement
     requirement of this AD.
    (ii) Make an entry into
     the aircraft records
     showing compliance with
     this portion of the AD
     in accordance with
     section 43.9 of the
     Federal Aviation
     Regulations (14 CFR
     43.9).
(3) Inspect circuit breaker   Inspect within 4      Follow the
 switch for heated engine      months after          procedures in the
 pneumatic lines circuit. If   January 6, 2005       A.M. Luton Service
 an engine is installed that   (the effective date   Information Letter
 uses both P3 and PY heated    of this AD), or 300   SIL-00-10-10,
 pneumatic lines, circuit      hours TIS after       revision dated,
 breaker switch, Part Number   January 6, 2005       March 22, 2001.
 (P/N) 20075-3 (5 amp), must   (the effective date
 be replaced with circuit      of this AD),
 breaker switch P/N 20075-59   whichever occurs
 (7.5 amp).                    first. Replace
                               prior to further
                               flight after the
                               inspection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, Special Certifications 
Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any 
already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Richard 
Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, Special Certifications Branch, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 
98055; telephone: 425-917-6507; facsimile: 816-917-6590.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in A.M. Luton Service Information Letter SIL-00-10-10, 
revision dated March 22, 2001. 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

[[Page 70371]]

A.M. Luton, 3025 Eldridge Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. 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.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (h) Airworthiness Directive CF-2002-38, dated August 29, 2002, 
and Service Information Letter SIL-00-10-10, revision dated March 
22, 2001, also pertain to the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 23, 2004.
David A. Downey,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-26421 Filed 12-3-04; 8:45 am]
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