Document ID: FAA-2017-0712-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-07-28T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 144 (Friday, July 28, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35127-35129]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15806]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 144 / Friday, July 28, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 35127]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0712; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-014-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2016-13-
14, for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 
2016-13-14 requires an inspection to determine if certain left and 
right main landing gear (MLG) retract actuator rod ends are installed 
and repetitive liquid penetrant inspections (LPIs) of affected left and 
right MLG retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if 
necessary. Since we issued AD 2016-13-14, we have determined that 
replacement of the left and right MLG is necessary to address the 
unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the actions specified 
in AD 2016-13-14 and add a replacement of the left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends. We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 11, 
2017.

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 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 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0712; 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 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, 
NY 11590; telephone: 516-228-7329; fax: 516-794-5531.

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-2017-0712; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-014-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

    On June 22, 2016, we issued AD 2016-13-14, Amendment 39-18579 (81 
FR 43481, July 5, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-14''), for certain Bombardier, 
Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. AD 2016-13-14 was prompted by a 
report of a cracked MLG retract actuator rod end. AD 2016-13-14 
requires an inspection to determine if certain left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends are installed and repetitive LPIs of affected 
left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if 
necessary. AD 2016-13-14 also provides optional terminating action for 
the inspections. We issued AD 2016-13-14 to detect and correct fatigue 
cracking of the left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, which 
could lead to left or right MLG collapse.
    The preamble to AD 2016-13-14 explains that we consider the 
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further 
rulemaking. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed 
necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.
    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2016-16R1, dated June 
27, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    There has been a single reported case of a cracked MLG retract 
actuator rod end in service. A supplier disclosure letter and 
subsequent Bombardier analysis indicate that the MLG retract 
actuator rod end P/N [part number] P3A2750 and P3A2750-1 may develop 
fatigue cracking. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to 
left hand (LH) or right hand (RH) MLG collapse.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates the inspection [to determine if 
certain left and right main landing gear MLG retract actuator rod 
ends are installed, repetitive LPIs of affected left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends, and corrective actions if necessary], and 
replacement of the LH and RH MLG retract actuator rod ends P/N 
P3A2750 and

[[Page 35128]]

P3A2750-1 [which is terminating action for the repetitive LPIs].
    This [Canadian] AD was revised to clarify paragraph B. and C. 
[of this Canadian AD], which specifies when the Liquid Penetrant 
Inspections (LPI) should begin.

    Corrective actions includes replacing cracked MLG retract actuator 
rod ends. 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-2017-0712.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier, Inc. has issued Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, 
dated May 4, 2016. This service information describes procedures for an 
inspection to determine if certain left and right MLG retract actuator 
rod ends are installed, repetitive LPIs of the left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends, and replacement of left and right MLG 
retract actuator rod ends. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 52 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2016-13-14, and retained in this 
proposed AD takes about 1 work-hour per product, at an average labor 
rate of $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost 
of the inspection that is required by AD 2016-13-14 is $85 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 3 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 $2,019 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $118,248, or $2,274 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $2,019, for a cost of 
$2,274 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need these actions.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2016-13-14, Amendment 39-18579 (81 FR 43481, July 5, 2016), and adding 
the following new AD:

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2017-0712; Directorate Identifier 
2017-NM-014-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 11, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2016-13-14, Amendment 39-18579 (81 FR 43481, 
July 5, 2016) (``AD 2016-13-14'').

(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 4325 inclusive.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a cracked main landing gear 
(MLG) retract actuator rod end. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking of the left and right MLG retract actuator 
rod ends, which could lead to left or right MLG collapse.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Part Number Inspection, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. Within 100 flight cycles after July 20, 
2016 (the effective date of AD 2016-13-14), inspect the left and 
right MLG retract actuator rod ends to determine if part number (P/
N) P3A2750 or P3A2750-1 is installed. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number can be conclusively determined from that review.

[[Page 35129]]

(h) Retained Repetitive Liquid Penetrant Inspections (LPIs), With No 
Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. For each left or right MLG retract 
actuator rod end having P/N P3A2750 or P3A2750-1: At the applicable 
time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, do an LPI 
to detect cracks of the MLG retract actuator rod end, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 
84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k) of 
this AD. Thereafter, repeat the LPI at intervals not to exceed 600 
flight cycles.
    (1) If the MLG retract actuator rod end has accumulated more 
than 6,000 flight cycles as of July 20, 2016 (the effective date of 
AD 2016-13-14): Inspect within 100 flight cycles after July 20, 
2016.
    (2) If the MLG retract actuator rod end has accumulated 6,000 
flight cycles or fewer as of July 20, 2016 (the effective date of AD 
2016-13-14): Inspect within 600 flight cycles after July 20, 2016.

(i) Retained Corrective Action, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. If any crack is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further 
flight replace the cracked MLG retract actuator rod end, P/N P3A2750 
or P3A2750-1, with a MLG retract actuator rod end, P/N P3A6460 in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier 
Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as required by 
paragraph (k) of this AD.

(j) Retained Optional Replacement, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the optional replacement specified in 
paragraph (j) of AD 2016-13-14, with no changes. Replacement of the 
left and right side MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N P3A2750 or 
P3A2750-1, with left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N 
P3A6460, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, constitutes terminating action 
for the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for 
that airplane.

(k) Retained Exception, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. If it is not possible to complete all 
the instructions in Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 
4, 2016, because of the configuration of the airplane: Before 
further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA; or Transport 
Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design 
Approval Organization (DAO).

(l) Retained Parts Installation Prohibition, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD 
2016-13-14, with no changes. As of July 20, 2016 (the effective date 
of AD 2016-13-14), no person may install a left or right MLG retract 
actuator rod end, P/N P3A2750 or P3A2750-1, on any airplane.

(m) New Requirement of This AD: Replacement

    Within 1,800 flight cycles after accomplishing the initial 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the left 
and right side MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N P3A2750 or 
P3A2750-1, with left and right MLG retract actuator rod ends, P/N 
P3A6460, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-32-142, dated May 4, 2016, except as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Accomplishing this replacement 
terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD for 
that airplane.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York 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 manager of 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.
    (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, 
ANE-170, FAA; or TCCA; or Bombardier Inc.'s TCCA DAO. If approved by 
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2016-16R1, dated June 27, 2016, 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-2017-0712.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, 
FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 
11590; telephone: 516-228-7329; fax: 516-794-5531.
    (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. You may view this 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 July 19, 2017.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-15806 Filed 7-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P