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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 149 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45981-45983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-18588]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0726; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-023-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-8-400 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by cases of on-ground failure of the screw cap 
or end cap of hydraulic accumulators on other airplane models, 
resulting in high-energy impact damage to adjacent systems and 
structure. This proposed AD would require inspecting for a part number 
and replacing the affected parking brake hydraulic accumulator, and 
relocating the parking brake accumulator, on the subject airplanes. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the screw caps and/or end 
caps of the parking brake hydraulic accumulator, which could result in 
damage to the airplane's primary structures, with potential adverse 
effect on the airplane's controllability.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 17, 
2012.

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, Washington. 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: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7318; 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-2012-0726; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-023-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-
2012-04, dated January 13, 2012 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Seven cases of on-ground hydraulic accumulator/screw cap/end cap 
failure have been experienced on CL-600-2B19 (CRJ) aeroplanes, 
resulting in loss of the associated hydraulic system and high-energy 
impact

[[Page 45982]]

damage to adjacent systems and structure. To date, the lowest number 
of flight cycles accumulated at the time of failure has been 6991.
    Although there have been no failures to date on any DHC-8 
aeroplanes, similar accumulators to those installed on the CL-600-
2B19, Part Number (P/N) 08-60197-001 (Parking Brake Accumulator), 
are installed on the aeroplanes listed in the Applicability section 
of this Airworthiness Directive (AD). It was also found that some of 
these accumulators may be affected by manufacturing non-
conformances.
    A detailed analysis of the systems and structure in the 
potential line of trajectory of a failed screw cap/end cap for the 
accumulator has been conducted. It has been identified that the 
worst-case scenarios would be the damage to the aeroplane's primary 
structures, which could have an adverse effect on the 
controllability of the aeroplane.
    This AD mandates the [inspection for part and serial numbers 
and] replacement of the affected hydraulic accumulators and the 
relocation of the parking brake accumulator.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, 
dated November 22, 2011; and Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 
16, 2011. Goodrich has issued Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, 
dated February 1, 2011. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 83 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 17 work-hour 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 $5,205 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 $551,950, or $6,650 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $4,643, for a cost of 
$4,898 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 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, 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

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2012-0726; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-023-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 17, 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 
through 4346 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by cases of on-ground hydraulic 
accumulator/screw cap/end cap failure, resulting in high-energy 
impact damage to adjacent systems and structure. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of the screw caps and/or end caps of the 
hydraulic and parking brake accumulators, which could result in 
damage to the airplane's primary structures, with potential adverse 
effect on the airplane's controllability.

(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) Inspect/Replace the Parking Brake Hydraulic Accumulator

    For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4337 inclusive: 
Within 1,200 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever comes first, inspect the parking brake hydraulic 
accumulator to determine the part number and serial number. Inspect 
to determine the part number and serial number in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of

[[Page 45983]]

Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16, 2011.
    (1) If the part number of the parking brake hydraulic 
accumulator can be determined by the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD; and is not identified in paragraph 1., 
Effectivity, of Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, 
dated February 1, 2011: No further action is required by this 
paragraph.
    (2) If the part number and serial number of the parking brake 
hydraulic accumulator cannot be determined by the inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD; or is identified in paragraph 
1., Effectivity, of Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, 
dated February 1, 2011: Before further flight, replace the parking 
brake hydraulic accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 
16, 2011.

(h) Relocate the Parking Brake Hydraulic Accumulator

    (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4068 
inclusive, 4070 through 4214 inclusive, 4214, 4216, 4219 through 
4261 inclusive, and 4263 through 4346 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, relocate the parking 
brake hydraulic accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, 
dated November 22, 2011.
    (2) Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of 
this AD in accordance with previous revisions of Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-32-87 does not meet the requirements of paragraph (h)(1) 
of this AD.

(i) 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), 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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-04, dated 
January 13, 2012, and the service information identified in 
paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(3) of this AD, for related 
information.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-87, Revision B, dated 
November 22, 2011.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-88, dated February 16, 
2011.
    (3) Goodrich Service Bulletin 08 60197 001-32-70 R2, dated 
February 1, 2011.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 20, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-18588 Filed 8-1-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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