Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/08/22/05-16535/airworthiness-directives-bombardier-model-dhc-7-series-airplanes
Timestamp: 2017-08-18 22:51:26
Document Index: 20902863

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'arts 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 121', 'art 91', 'art 3', 'art 3']

70 FR 48908
48908-48911 (4 pages)
Docket No. FAA-2005-22146
Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-184-AD
05-16535
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Canadian Airworthiness Directive
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/05-16535 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/05-16535
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier Model DHC-7 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require implementing a corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) either by accomplishing specific tasks or by revising the maintenance inspection program to include a CPCP. This proposed AD is prompted by the determination that, as airplanes age, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion. We are proposing this AD to prevent structural failure of the airplane due to corrosion.
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include “Docket No. FAA-2005-22146; Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-184-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, Start Printed Page 48909economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on all Bombardier Model DHC-7 series airplanes. TCCA advises that, as airplanes age, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion. Operators must implement a Corrosion Prevention and Control Program (CPCP) that identifies specific areas to be inspected to minimize and control deterioration of the airplane from corrosion. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural failure of the airplane.
Bombardier has issued de Havilland Inc. Corrosion Prevention and Control Manual, DHC-7 (Dash 7), Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-7-5, dated May 13, 1997. (In this proposed AD, we refer to this publication as “the Manual.”)
The Introduction to the Manual defines three levels of corrosion:
1. Occurs between repetitive inspections and exceeds allowable limits, necessitating a repair or partial or complete replacement of a structural significant element; or
2. Occurs between repetitive inspections, is widespread, and requires rework approaching allowable limits.
Following the Introduction, the Manual is divided into three basic parts:
Part 1 refers to Part 1 of PSM 1-GEN-5, which contains general information on corrosion.
Part 2 describes specific inspections for corrosion, including the effectivity, method, objective, and relevant PSM references for each inspection.
Part 3 contains the Recommended Corrosion Inspection Program that applies to the subject airplanes, including corrosion task numbers, inspection thresholds, repetitive intervals, and necessary re-protection actions.
TCCA mandated the Manual and issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-98-03, dated February 27, 1998, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.
This airplane model is manufactured in Canada and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, TCCA has kept us informed of the situation described above. We have examined TCCA's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require implementing a CPCP either by accomplishing specific tasks or by revising the maintenance inspection program to include a CPCP. The proposed AD would require you to use the Manual described previously to perform these actions. The proposed AD also would require you to report findings of Level 3 corrosion to us, and findings of Level 2 or 3 corrosion to the airplane manufacturer.
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-98-03 specifies the following compliance times for the initial inspection:
For airplanes produced before January 1, 1986: Before December 31, 2000, or 20 years after the airplane's production date, whichever is later.
For airplanes produced after December 31, 1985: Before December 31, 2005.
However, this proposed AD would require that you do the initial inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered the compliance times specified in Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-98-03, the manufacturer's recommendation, and the degree of urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition. We also considered the fact that the Manual (which is the appropriate source of service information referenced in this proposed AD) has been available to all operators of affected airplanes since May 1997. In light of all of these factors, we find that a 12-month compliance time represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.
Also, Canadian airworthiness directive CF-98-03 specifies that findings of Level 2 and 3 corrosion must be reported to the airplane manufacturer, but CF-98-03 does not provide a compliance time for this action. This proposed AD specifies that these findings must be reported to the airplane manufacturer at the time specified in Section 5.0 of Part 3 of the Manual (i.e., 60 days after confirming Level 2 corrosion, or 21 days after confirming Level 3 corrosion), or within Start Printed Page 4891010 days after the effective date of the AD, whichever is later.
This proposed AD would affect about 26 airplanes of U.S. registry. The 148 specific inspections specified in the Manual would take about 48 work hours per airplane, per inspection cycle, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $81,120, or $3,120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2005-22146; Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-184-AD.
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on this AD action by September 21, 2005.
(c) This AD applies to all Model DHC-7 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) This AD was prompted by the determination that, as airplanes age, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the airplane due to corrosion.
(f) The term “the Manual,” as used in this AD, means the de Havilland Inc. Corrosion Prevention and Control Manual, DHC-7 (Dash 7), Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-7-5, dated May 13, 1997.
(g) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform each of the Corrosion Tasks, including re-protection actions, as applicable, specified in Part 3 of the Manual by accomplishing the basic tasks defined in Parts 2 and 3 of the Manual, in accordance with the procedures of the Manual.
(h) Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD, repeat each of the Corrosion Tasks, and re-protection actions, as applicable, specified in Part 3 of the Manual at intervals not to exceed 3 or 6 years, as specified in Part 3 of the Manual.
(i) After accomplishment of each initial Corrosion Task required by paragraph (g) of this AD, the FAA or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent) may approve the incorporation into the operator's approved maintenance/inspection program of the Corrosion Prevention and Control Program (CPCP) specified in the Manual and this AD; or an equivalent program that is approved by the FAA or TCCA. In all cases, the initial Corrosion Task for each airplane area must be completed in accordance with the compliance time specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Amendment of the operator's approved maintenance/inspection program to include an approved CPCP constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(j) If any corrosion is found during accomplishment of any action required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD: Within 30 days after the finding, rework, repair, or replace any applicable part, as applicable, in accordance with Section 4.0 of Part 3 of the Manual.
(k) If any Level 3 corrosion, as defined in the Introduction of the Manual, is found, do paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD.
(1) At the time specified in paragraph (k)(1)(i) or (k)(1)(ii) of this AD, whichever is later, submit a report of the findings to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; fax (516) 568-2716. The report must follow the format specified in Section 5.0 of Part 3 of the Manual, or be submitted using a Service Difficulty Report, as applicable. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(i) Within 3 days after the finding of Level 3 corrosion.
(ii) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
(2) At the time specified in paragraph (k)(2)(i) or (k)(2)(ii) of this AD, whichever is later, submit a plan to the FAA to identify a schedule for accomplishing the applicable Corrosion Task on the remainder of the operator's fleet, or data substantiating that the Level 3 corrosion that was found is an isolated case. For the purposes of this paragraph, “FAA” means the Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) for operators that are assigned a PMI (e.g., Part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (e.g., Part 91 operators). Information collection requirements in this AD are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and are assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(i) Within 10 days after the finding of Level 3 corrosion.
(ii) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD. Start Printed Page 48911
(l) If any Level 2 or 3 corrosion, as defined in the Introduction of the Manual, is found, at the applicable time specified in Section 5.0 of Part 3 of the Manual, or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, report these findings to the manufacturer according to Section 5.0 of Part 3 of the Manual. Information collection requirements in this AD are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and are assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(m) 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.
(n) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-98-03, dated February 27, 1998, also addresses the subject of this AD.
[FR Doc. 05-16535 Filed 8-19-05; 8:45 am]