Proposed Rule2021-16431
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
August 3, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, - 401, and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking found on a main landing gear (MLG) drag strut assembly. This proposed AD would require a records review to determine if an affected MLG drag strut assembly is installed, repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of affected strut assemblies, a one-time magnetic particle inspection for cracking, and on-condition actions if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 146 (Tuesday, August 3, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 146 (Tuesday, August 3, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41794-41798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16431]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0613; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01431-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -
401, and -402 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of
cracking found on a main landing gear (MLG) drag strut assembly. This
proposed AD would require a records review to determine if an affected
MLG drag strut assembly is installed, repetitive detailed inspections
for cracking of affected strut assemblies, a one-time magnetic particle
inspection for cracking, and on-condition actions if necessary. The FAA
is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September
17, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0613; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
[[Page 41795]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7329; fax 516-
794-5531; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b38a9ed2c5c09eddcad2d0dc9ed0dcc0f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="053c28647376286b7c64666a28666a76456364642b626a73">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0613; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01431-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Aziz
Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-228-7329; fax 516-794-5531; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#043d29657277296a7d65676b29676b77446265652a636b72"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="477e6a2631346a293e2624286a2428340721262669202831">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2020-43, dated October 21,
2020 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for
certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -401,
and -402 airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0613.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracking found on an
MLG drag strut assembly. The MLG drag strut had accumulated a total of
26,968 flight cycles and 12,392 flight hours since new, of which 2,830
flight cycles and 1,420 flight hours had accumulated since the last
overhaul. The last overhaul had been conducted one year prior to the
crack finding. It is suspected that the cracking was caused by the
clamping method used by the repair facility during the most recent
overhaul, and was missed during subsequent non-destructive testing
(NDT) inspections required as part of the refurbishment process. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address cracking of the MLG drag strut
assembly and possible failure under compression loads during landing or
ground operations, which could result in asymmetric MLG configuration
and potential runway excursion. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
and service information referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop
on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require a records review to determine if an
affected MLG drag strut assembly is installed, repetitive detailed
inspections for cracking of affected strut assemblies, a one-time
magnetic particle inspection for cracking, and on-condition actions if
necessary. On-condition actions include replacing the MLG drag strut
assembly and re-identifying the MLG drag strut assembly.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 34 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 11 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 Up to $935.............. Up to $31,790.
Up to $935.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
[[Page 41796]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $ * Up to $850.............. Up to $850.
Up to $850.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the agency to provide parts cost estimates for the
actions specified in this proposed AD.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously
Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2021-0613; Project
Identifier MCAI-2020-01431-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by September 17, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model
DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, certificated in any category,
serial numbers 4001, 4003, and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracking found on a main
landing gear (MLG) drag strut assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address cracking of the MLG drag strut assembly and possible
failure under compression loads during landing or ground operations,
which could result in asymmetric MLG configuration and potential
runway excursion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Records Review, Repetitive Inspections, and On-Condition Actions
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Review the
applicable airplane maintenance records to determine if any affected
MLG drag strut assembly identified in figure 1 to the introductory
text of paragraph (g) of this AD is installed. If any affected MLG
drag strut assembly is installed, do the actions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[[Page 41797]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03AU21.001
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(1) Within 80 flight hours after accomplishing the records
review required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do a detailed
inspection for cracking of the affected MLG drag strut assembly, and
do all applicable on-condition actions before further flight, in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO
Branch, FAA. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 80 flight hours until the magnetic particle inspection
required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD is done.
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Guidance on the inspections and on-
condition actions required by this AD can be found in Transport
Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD CF-2020-43, dated October 21, 2020.
(2) Within 1,600 flight hours or 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a magnetic particle
inspection for cracks of the entire tubular section of the affected
MLG drag strut assembly, and do all on-condition actions before
further flight, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
New York ACO Branch, FAA. Performing the magnetic particle
inspection required by this paragraph terminates the repetitive
detailed inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an
affected MLG drag strut assembly identified in figure 1 to the
introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD on any airplane unless
the inspections and applicable on-conditions specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD are done before further flight.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York ACO Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If
sending information directly to the manager of the certification
office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 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
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited's TCCA Design Approval
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) TCCA AD CF-2020-43, dated October 21, 2020, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2021-0613.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-228-7329; fax 516-794-5531; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87beaae6f1f4aae9fee6e4e8aae4e8f4c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="11283c7067623c7f6870727e3c727e62517770703f767e67">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) For information about TCCA AD CF-2020-43, dated October 21,
2020, contact
[[Page 41798]]
TCCA, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159
Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-663-
3639; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#18595c355b56586c7b367f7b367b79"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4302076e000d0337206d24206d2022">[email protected]</span></a>; internet <a href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation">https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation</a>. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on July 28, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-16431 Filed 8-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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