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 Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0586; Product Identifier 2017-NM-151-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
 SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating that a certain emergency exit door could not be opened during maintenance. This proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the ball bearings of an emergency exit, replacement of bearings if necessary, application of corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC), and revision of the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
 DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 20, 2018.
 ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, 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:*
                         Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt 
                        ( print page 31497)
                        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 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. 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-2018-0586; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, 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: Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Aviation Safety Section, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
                        *neil.doh@faa.gov.*


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the 
                    **ADDRESSES**
                     section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2018-0586; Product Identifier 2017-NM-151-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM. Discussion Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2017-30, dated August 30, 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-8-300 series airplanes. The MCAI states: An operator has reported the inability to open the Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door with either the internal or external handle during maintenance. Investigation has determined that the handle was found to be jammed due to corroded center and lower shaft ball bearings. Condensation has been found to be the root cause of the Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door hardware corrosion. Other Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door ball bearings are also susceptible to corrosion. Inability to open the Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door during an emergency evacuation may impede aircraft egress. This [Canadian] AD mandates the inspection for corrosion and replacement, as required, of all Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door ball bearings, and the application of corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC), to ensure that the Forward Right Hand Type I emergency exit door can be opened when required. Required actions also include an inspection of the emergency exit door ball bearings for seal damage and loss of lubricant and revision of the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. 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-2018-0586. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Bombardier has issued the following service information: Service Bulletin 8-52-65, dated July 26, 2017, which describes procedures for a detailed inspection of the forward right-hand type 1 emergency exit door ball bearings for corrosion, seal damage, and loss of lubricant; applying CIC; and replacing emergency exit door ball bearings if necessary.
                Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Task 5220/12 (“Servicing of Forward RH Emergency Exit Mechanisms”), dated March 15, 2017, of the DHC-8-300 Series Maintenance Program Support Manual (PSM) 1-83-7, which describes procedures for servicing the forward right-hand emergency exit door mechanisms.
                Temporary Revision (TR) 54-042, dated April 10, 2018, to the DHC-8-300 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), which describes procedures for servicing the type 1 emergency exit door mechanisms. 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. 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 actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions 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 proposed AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI The MCAI requires the incorporation of MRB Task 5220/12 (“Servicing of Forward RH Emergency Exit Mechanisms”) into the maintenance program. That task refers to the AMM for certain procedures, which have been updated. We understand that the MCAI does not require the updated AMM procedures because, unlike U.S. operators, Canadian operators are already required to use the most current AMM procedures. Therefore, this proposed AD would also require the incorporation of Bombardier TR 54-042, dated April 10, 2018, which includes the updated AMM procedures. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 16 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
                    ( print page 31498) Estimated Costs for Required Actions
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
                             product
Cost on U.S.
                             operators3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255
$0
$255
$4,080
 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 × $85 per work-hour). We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on the results of any required actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions: Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
                             product6 work-hours × $85 per hour = $510
$586
$1,096
 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 proposed 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 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, 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
 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
 1.The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                    49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13
 2.The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): **Bombardier, Inc.:**
                         Docket No. FAA-2018-0586; Product Identifier 2017-NM-151-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by August 20, 2018. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 100 through 672 inclusive. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports indicating that the forward right-hand type I emergency exit door could not be opened during maintenance. An investigation determined that the exit door handle was jammed due to corroded center and lower shaft ball bearings. We are issuing this AD to address corrosion of the emergency exit door ball bearings, which could result in the inability to open the emergency exit door during an emergency evacuation and consequently impede airplane egress. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate Maintenance Review Board Task 5220/12 (“Servicing of Forward RH Emergency Exit Mechanisms”), dated March 15, 2017, of the DHC-8-300 Series Maintenance Program Support Manual (PSM) 1-83-7; and Temporary Revision 54-042, dated April 10, 2018, to the DHC-8-300 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). The initial compliance time for doing the task is 
                        ( print page 31499)
                        at the time specified in Maintenance Review Board Task 5220/12 (“Servicing of Forward RH Emergency Exit Mechanisms”) of the DHC-8-300 Series Maintenance PSM 1-83-7, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (h) Inspection and Replacement Within 5,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of all ball bearings of the forward right-hand type I emergency exit for corrosion, seal damage, and loss of lubricant; replace bearings as applicable; and apply corrosion inhibiting compound (CIC); in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-52-65, dated July 26, 2017. Do all applicable replacements before further flight. (i) 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 and intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (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 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 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. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2017-30, dated August 30, 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-2018-0586. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Neil Doh, Aerospace Engineer, Aviation Safety Section, FAA, Boston ACO Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone: 781-238-7757; fax: 781-238-7199; email: 
                        *neil.doh@faa.gov.* (3) For information about AMOCs, contact Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7318; fax: 516-794-5531. (4) 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.*
                         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. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 26, 2018. Dionne Palermo, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.


[FR Doc. 2018-14415 Filed 7-5-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P