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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 240 (Thursday, December 13, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74126-74129]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-30071]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1226; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-122-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 a report of a translating door handle 
jamming during opening of an aft door. This proposed AD would require 
replacing the handle shaft with a new single-piece machined handle 
shaft on the aft entry and service doors, and require revising the 
maintenance program by incorporating a new airworthiness limitation 
task. We are proposing this AD to prevent a migrated pin from jamming a 
translating door handle, which could prevent opening of

[[Page 74127]]

the door and impede an emergency evacuation.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 28, 
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: 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-2012-1226; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-122-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-
2012-17, dated May 24, 2012 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

    There was one reported case of the translating door handle 
jamming on opening. It was found that the pin on the existing handle 
shaft could migrate and cause the translating door handle to jam. A 
jammed translating door handle could prevent the opening of the door 
and impede evacuation in the event of an emergency.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the installation of the single piece 
machined handle shaft (ModSum 4-113687) on the aft entry door and 
the aft service door, as well as the incorporation of the new 
Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) tasks introduced as a result of this 
ModSum.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-52-66, Revision A, dated 
October 24, 2011; and Temporary Revision ALI-122, dated November 4, 
2011, to Section 1 Certification Maintenance Requirements, of the 
Airworthiness Limitations Items (ALI) Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 
Maintenance Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7. 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 proposed AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections 
is required by section 91.403(c) of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR 91.403(c)). For airplanes that have been previously modified, 
altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, an 
operator might 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 of an alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (j)(1) of this 
proposed AD. The request should include a description of changes to the 
required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety 
of the airplane.

Difference Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    The MCAI is applicable to airplanes with serial numbers 4001 
through 4364. The service information omits serial number 4002. We have 
omitted serial number 4002 from the applicability of this proposed AD, 
because it was a flight test airplane that has been decommissioned.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 78 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 8 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 $10,596 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 $879,528, or $11,276 per product.

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

[[Page 74128]]

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-2012-1226; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-122-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 28, 2013.

(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, 
and 4003 through 4364 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52; Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a translating door handle 
jamming during opening of an aft door. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent a migrated pin from jamming a translating door handle, which 
could prevent opening of the door and impede an emergency 
evacuation.

(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) Installation of the Single-Piece Machined Handle Shaft on the Aft 
Entry Door and the Aft Service Door

    Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, 
after the effective date of this AD, replace the handle shaft with a 
new single-piece machined handle shaft on the aft entry and service 
doors by incorporating Modification Summary (ModSum) 4-113687, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-52-66, Revision A, dated October 24, 2011.

(h) Revision of the Maintenance Program Schedule

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the maintenance program by incorporating the information in 
maintenance Tasks 521200-105 and 524100-105 of Bombardier Temporary 
Revision (TR) ALI-122, dated November 4, 2011, into Section 1 
Certification Maintenance Requirements of the Airworthiness 
Limitations Items (ALI) Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance 
Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7. The compliance time for doing the 
initial inspections of the handle shafts on the aft entry and 
service door is within 25,000 flight hours after installation of the 
new handle shaft specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Thereafter, 
no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used 
unless the actions or intervals are approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
    (2) The maintenance program revision required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD may be done by inserting a copy of Bombardier 
Temporary Revision ALI-122, dated November 4, 2011, into Section 1 
Certification Maintenance Requirements of the Airworthiness 
Limitations Items (ALI) Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance 
Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7. When this TR has been included in 
general revisions of the maintenance requirements manual, the 
general revisions may be inserted in the maintenance requirements 
manual and this TR removed.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-
66, dated July 25, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in 
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, 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. 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2012-17, 
dated May 24, 2012, and the service information identified in 
paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, for related 
information.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-52-66, Revision A, dated 
October 24, 2011.
    (ii) Bombardier TR ALI-122, dated November 4, 2011, to Section 1 
Certification Maintenance Requirements of the Airworthiness 
Limitations Items (ALI) Part 2, Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance 
Requirements Manual, PSM 1-84-7.
    (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; Internet 
http://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service

[[Page 74129]]

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 December 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-30071 Filed 12-12-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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