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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42956-42958]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16967]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0271; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-196-AD; 
Amendment 39-17118; AD 2012-14-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic accumulator 
screw cap or end cap failure. This AD requires replacing the affected 
parking brake accumulator. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 
the parking brake accumulator screw caps or end caps, which could 
result in loss of the number 2 hydraulic system and damage to airplane 
structures, and could potentially have an adverse effect on the 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 27, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 27, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2012 (77 
FR 16488). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Seven cases of on-ground hydraulic accumulator screw cap or end 
cap failure have been experienced on CL-600-2B19 (CRJ) aeroplanes, 
resulting in loss of the associated hydraulic system and high-energy 
impact 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 Numbers (P/N)0860162001 and 0860162002 (Parking Brake 
Accumulator), are installed on the aeroplanes listed in the 
Applicability section of this [TCCA] directive.
    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 identified that the worst-
case scenarios would be the loss of number 2 hydraulic system, and 
damage to aeroplane structures.

[[Page 42957]]

    This [TCCA] directive gives instructions to determine the part 
number and serial number of the existing parking brake accumulator, 
and where applicable, replace the accumulator.

Failure of the parking brake accumulator screw caps and/or end caps 
could result in loss of the number 2 hydraulic system, and damage to 
airplane structures, and could potentially have an adverse effect on 
the controllability of the airplane. You may obtain further information 
by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 16488, March 21, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed--except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 16488, March 21, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 16488, March 21, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 129 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $21,930, or $170 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $1,625, for a cost of 
$1,880 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 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.
    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);
    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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM (77 FR 16488, March 21, 
2012), 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

2012-14-04 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17118. Docket No. FAA-
2012-0271; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-196-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 27, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, 
-106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, certificated in 
any category, serial numbers 003 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic accumulator screw 
cap or end cap failure. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 
the parking brake accumulator screw caps or end caps, which could 
result in loss of the number 2 hydraulic system and damage to 
airplane structures, and could potentially have an adverse effect on 
the controllability of the airplane.

(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 Replacement

    Within 2,000 flight hours or 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Inspect to determine the part 
number (P/N) and serial number of the parking brake hydraulic 
accumulator, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-170, dated February 25, 2011. A 
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number and serial number of the parking brake 
hydraulic accumulator can be conclusively determined from that 
review.
    (1) For accumulators not having P/N 0860162001 or 0860162002: No 
further action is required by this paragraph.
    (2) For accumulators having P/N 0860162001 or 0860162002: Before 
further flight, do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) If the serial number is listed in the table in paragraph 
3.B.(2) of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-170, dated February 25, 
2011: No further action is required by this paragraph.

[[Page 42958]]

    (ii) If the serial number is not listed in the table in 
paragraph 3.B.(2) of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-170, dated 
February 25, 2011: Within 2,000 flight hours or 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace the 
accumulator with a new non-suspect accumulator, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-
172, dated March 15, 2011.

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
parking brake accumulator, P/N 0860162001 or 0860162002 with a 
serial number that is not listed in the table in paragraph 3.B.(2) 
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-170, dated February 25, 2011, on 
any airplane.

(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), 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 assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-29, dated 
August 2, 2011, and the service information identified in paragraphs 
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-170, dated February 25, 
2011.
    (2) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-172, dated March 15, 2011.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service 
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-170, dated February 25, 
2011.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-172, dated March 15, 2011.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may review copies of the 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.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 28, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16967 Filed 7-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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