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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 167 (Wednesday, August 28, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53080-53083]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20968]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0703; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-004-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, 
-311, and -315 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a 
report of a pilot commanding an in-flight engine shut down in response 
to a low oil pressure warning indication. Further investigation 
revealed the mounting studs in the engine mounted alternating current 
(AC) generator mounting plate were pulled out of position and the 
threaded interface in the plate was corroded. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive inspections for discrepancies on certain AC 
generator mounting adapters, and replacing discrepant adapters with 
serviceable ones. This proposed AD would also require revising the 
maintenance program to incorporate a repetitive task specified in 
certain temporary revisions. We are proposing this AD to detect and 
correct corrosion in the AC generator mounting plate, which could 
result in a gap between the AC generator and the generator mounting 
plate, and cause loss of engine oil and consequent engine failure.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 15, 2013

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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. You may review copies of the referenced 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.

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 this proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, 
Avionics and Flight Test Branch, ANE-

[[Page 53081]]

172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7301; fax 
(516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0703; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-004-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive, CF-
2012-29, dated November 22, 2012 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

    An incident has been reported on the DHC-8 aeroplane of a pilot 
commanded in-flight engine shut down in response to a[n] engine low 
oil pressure warning indication.
    Further investigation revealed the mounting studs in the engine 
mounted AC generator mounting plate were pulled out of position and 
the threaded interface in the plate corroded. This resulted in a gap 
between the AC generator and the generator mounting plate, leading 
to the loss of engine oil and the ensuing illumination of the 
associated engine low oil pressure warning indication.
    To ensure the integrity of the affected units, Part I of this 
[TCCA] AD mandates an [general visual and mechanical] inspection of 
the affected AC generator mounting adapters part numbers (P/N) 
31708-500 or 31708-501, and, as applicable, replacement with new or 
serviceable mounting plates.
    Part II of this [TCCA] AD mandates the incorporation of a repeat 
Maintenance Review Board (MRB) inspection applicable to the 
replacement of the AC generator mounting adapters P/Ns 31708-510 or 
31708-511 only.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued the following service information:
     Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, dated December 13, 
2011.
     de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision MRB-153, 
dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 Section 2-Systems, of the de Havilland Dash 
8 Series 100 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-8-7 MRB Report.
     de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Temporary Revision MRB 2-
31, dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 Section 2-Systems of the de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-82-7 MRB Report.
     de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision MRB 3-
162, dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 Section 2-Systems of the de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-83-7 MRB Report.
    The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.
    This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that 
have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas 
addressed by these actions, the operator may not be able to accomplish 
the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to 
comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (j)(1) of this 
AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required 
inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the 
airplane.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 88 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $4,000 per product. Where 
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered 
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these 
parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, 
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $389,400, or $4,425 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
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.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    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,

[[Page 53082]]

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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0703; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-004-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 15, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, 
-201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 series airplanes; certificated in 
any category; serial numbers 019 through 672 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a pilot commanding an in-
flight engine shut down in response to a low oil pressure warning 
indication. Further investigation revealed the mounting studs in the 
engine mounted alternating current (AC) generator mounting plate 
were pulled out of position and the threaded interface in the plate 
corroded. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in 
the AC generator mounting plate, which could result in a gap between 
the AC generator and the generator mounting plate, and cause loss of 
engine oil and consequent engine failure.

(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 and Removal of AC Generator Mounting Adaptor

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months or when the AC generator 
is removed for service, whichever occurs first, after the effective 
date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection and a mechanical 
inspection for discrepancies (i.e., damage, corrosion, and failed 
mechanical inspection) on AC generator mounting adapters having P/N 
31708-500 and P/N 31708-501, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, dated December 
13, 2011. If any discrepancy (i.e., damage, corrosion, or failed 
mechanical inspection) is found, before further flight replace the 
AC generator mounting adapter with a serviceable mounting adapter 
having P/N 31708-510, P/N 31708-511, P/N 31708-500, or 31708-501, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 8-24-88, dated December 13, 2011.
    (1) For in-service mounting adapters that have P/N 31708-500 or 
P/N 31708-501, repeat the general visual and mechanical inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours or 36 
months after the most recent inspection or when the AC generator is 
removed for service, whichever occurs first.
    (2) For airplanes having AC generator mounting adapters that 
have P/N 31708-500 or 31708-501: Within the later of the times 
specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, replace 
the AC generator mounting adapter with a new AC generator mounting 
adapter having P/N 31708-510 or 31708-511.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 120 months on the part.
    (ii) Within 12 months or 2,000 flight hours or when the 
generator is removed from service, whichever occurs first, after the 
effective date of the AD.

(h) Airplane Maintenance Program Revision

    For airplanes having AC generator mounting adapters that have P/
N 31708-510 or 31708-511: Within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD, revise the airplane maintenance program by incorporating 
MRB Task 2420/14 in the applicable maintenance program manual 
specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD. The 
initial compliance time for MRB Task 2420/14 is prior to the 
accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours or within 60 months since 
installation of the part, whichever occurs first.
    (1) For Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes: de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision MRB-153, dated July 10, 2012, 
Part 1 Section 2--Systems, of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 
Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-8-7 MRB Report.
    (2) For Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes: de Havilland Dash 8 
Series 200 Temporary Revision MRB 2-31, dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 
Section 2--Systems of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance 
Program Manual PSM 1-82-7 MRB Report.
    (3) For Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315 airplanes: de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision MRB 3-162, dated July 10, 2012, 
Part 1 Section 2--Systems of the de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 
Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-83-7 MRB Report.

(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used, unless the actions and intervals are approved as an AMOC in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this 
AD.

(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 ensure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-29, dated November 
22, 2012, and the service information specified in paragraphs 
(l)(1)(i) through (l)(1)(iv) of this AD, for related information.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-24-88, dated December 13, 
2011.
    (ii) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Temporary Revision MRB-153, 
dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 Section 2-Systems, of the de Havilland 
Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-8-7 MRB Report.
    (iii) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Temporary Revision MRB 2-
31, dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 Section 2-Systems of the de 
Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-82-7 
MRB Report.
    (iv) de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Temporary Revision MRB 3-
162, dated July 10, 2012, Part 1 Section 2-Systems of the de 
Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Program Manual PSM 1-83-7 
MRB Report.
    (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;

[[Page 53083]]

Internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20968 Filed 8-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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