Rule2021-22292
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 14, 2021
Effective
November 18, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes; Model DHC-8- 301, -311, and -315 airplanes; and Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that mounting nuts attaching the rudder actuator bracket to the vertical stabilizer have been found cracked or missing due to hydrogen embrittlement. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the rudder actuator bracket mounting nuts, and corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 196 (Thursday, October 14, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57030-57033]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22292]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0312; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01376-T;
Amendment 39-21729; AD 2021-19-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-102, -103,
and -106 airplanes; Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes; Model DHC-8-
301, -311, and -315 airplanes; and Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that mounting nuts attaching
the rudder actuator bracket to the vertical stabilizer have been found
cracked or missing due to hydrogen embrittlement. This AD requires a
one-time inspection of the rudder actuator bracket mounting nuts, and
corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective November 18, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 18,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Q-Series Technical
Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada;
telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-4539; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b1f030f2b0f0e030a1d0207070a050f45080406"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80f4e8e4c0e4e5e8e1f6e9ecece1eee4aee3efed">[email protected]</span></a>;
internet <a href="https://dehavilland.com">https://dehavilland.com</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. It is also
available on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0312.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine 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-
0312; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
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#8ab3a7ebfcf9a7e4f3ebe9e5a7e9e5f9caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="477e6a2631346a293e2624286a2428340721262669202831">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2020-34, dated October 6,
2020 (TCCA AD CF-2020-34) (also 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-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; Model DHC-8-201 and -202
airplanes; Model DHC-8-301, -311, -314, and -315 airplanes; and Model
DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. Model DHC-8-314 airplanes are not
certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those
airplanes in the applicability. 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-2021-0312.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes;
Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes; Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315
airplanes; and Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on April 20, 2021 (86 FR 20459). The
NPRM was prompted by reports that mounting nuts attaching the rudder
actuator bracket to the vertical stabilizer have been found cracked or
missing due to hydrogen embrittlement. The NPRM proposed to require a
one-time inspection of the rudder actuator bracket mounting nuts, and
corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the possible loss of the rudder actuator bracket, which could result in
a dormant disconnection between the rudder actuator and the vertical
stabilizer. This condition, if not addressed, could result in a loss of
directional control of the aircraft. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), indicated
its support for the NPRM.
[[Page 57031]]
Request To Require Procedure Only
Horizon Air requested that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD be
changed to require only paragraph 3.B. (Procedure) of the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information.
Horizon stated that requiring paragraph 3.A. (Job Set-up) and paragraph
3.C. (Close-Out) restricts an operator's ability to perform other
maintenance in conjunction with the required actions.
The FAA agrees with the request. Paragraph (g) of this AD has been
changed to require only paragraph 3.B. (Procedure) of the
Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123,
Revision A, dated September 8, 2020; or Service Bulletin 84-27-74,
Revision B, dated September 8, 2020; as applicable.
Request To Remove and Replace All Suspect Hardware
A commenter suggested removal and replacement of ``all suspect
hardware.'' The commenter asserted that hydrogen embrittlement would
not be evident by way of visual inspection. The FAA infers a request to
change the requirements of the proposed AD to replace all affected
rudder actuator bracket mounting nuts instead of relying on an
inspection to determine which mounting nuts need replacement.
The FAA disagrees with the request. The FAA notes that the rudder
actuator bracket mounting nuts were installed as required by AD 2012-
04-08, Amendment 39-16964 (77 FR 13193, March 6, 2012), which has a
compliance time of within 6,000 flight hours or 3 years after April 10,
2012, whichever occurs first. Viking confirmed that mounting nuts with
hydrogen embrittlement can show cracking as soon as one week after
being torqued. However, these airplanes have been flying for several
years with the mounting nuts installed and without reports of loss of
directional control of the airplane caused by the mounting nuts. TCCA
and Viking therefore determined, and the FAA agrees, that a one-time
visual inspection and replacement if necessary is sufficient to address
the unsafe condition. This AD has not been changed with regard to this
request.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the change described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
De Havilland has issued Service Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A,
dated September 8, 2020; and Service Bulletin 84-27-74, Revision B,
dated September 8, 2020. This service information specifies procedures
for doing a detailed visual inspection of the nuts attaching the rudder
actuator brackets to the rear spar. If the nuts are corroded, cracked,
or otherwise damaged, or if they are missing, they are replaced. These
documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane models.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD would affect 69 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255........................... $0 $255 $17,595
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacement that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Nut replacement........................ 2 work-hours x $85 per Minimal..................... $170
hour = $170.
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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
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:
[[Page 57032]]
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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.
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 airworthiness
directive:
2021-19-11 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-21729; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0312; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01376-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 18,
2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (type
certificate previously held by Bombardier, Inc.) airplanes,
certificated in any category, and identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
through (4) of this AD.
(1) Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, as identified in
De Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A, dated September
8, 2020.
(2) Model DHC-8-201 and -202 airplanes, as identified in De
Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A, dated September 8,
2020.
(3) Model DHC-8-301, -311, and -315 airplanes, as identified in
De Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A, dated September
8, 2020.
(4) Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, as identified in
De Havilland Service Bulletin 84-27-74, Revision B, dated September
8, 2020.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that mounting nuts attaching the
rudder actuator bracket to the vertical stabilizer have been found
cracked or missing due to hydrogen embrittlement. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the possible loss of the rudder actuator bracket,
which could result in a dormant disconnection between the rudder
actuator and the vertical stabilizer. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in a loss of directional control of the
aircraft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Within 8,000 flight hours or 4 years, whichever is earlier,
after the effective date of this AD: Do a detailed visual inspection
of the rudder actuator bracket mounting nuts for missing nuts or
corrosion, cracking, or other damage, in accordance with paragraph
3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Service
Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A, dated September 8, 2020; or De
Havilland Service Bulletin 84-27-74, Revision B, dated September 8,
2020; as applicable. If any missing nuts or corrosion, cracking, or
other damage is found, replace the nuts before further flight, in
accordance with paragraph 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
De Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A, dated September
8, 2020; or De Havilland Service Bulletin 84-27-74, Revision B,
dated September 8, 2020; as applicable.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using De Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123, dated
December 20, 2019; De Havilland Service Bulletin 84-27-74, dated
December 20, 2019; or De Havilland Service Bulletin 84-27-74,
Revision A, dated January 20, 2020; as applicable.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although De Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A,
dated September 8, 2020; and De Havilland Service Bulletin 84-27-74,
Revision B, dated September 8, 2020, specify to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) TCCA AD CF-2020-34, dated October 6, 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-2021-0312.
(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#291004485f5a044750484a46044a465a694f4848074e465f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a59c88c4d3d688cbdcc4c6ca88c6cad6e5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) De Havilland Service Bulletin 8-27-123, Revision A, dated
September 8, 2020.
(ii) De Havilland Service Bulletin 84-27-74, Revision B, dated
September 8, 2020.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Q-Series Technical Help Desk,
123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone
416-375-4000; fax 416-375-4539; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e2968a86a286878a83948b8e8e838c86cc818d8f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="483c202c082c2d20293e21242429262c662b2725">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
<a href="https://dehavilland.com">https://dehavilland.com</a>.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aaccd884c3c4d9dacfc9dec3c5c4eac4cbd8cb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ceafea2e5e2fffce9eff8e5e3e2cce2edfeeda2ebe3fa">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
[[Page 57033]]
Issued on September 7, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-22292 Filed 10-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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