Rule2021-23656
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
November 1, 2021
Effective
December 6, 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-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking found on a main landing gear (MLG) drag strut assembly. This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 208 (Monday, November 1, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 208 (Monday, November 1, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60162-60164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23656]
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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;
Amendment 39-21801; AD 2021-23-03]
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-8-400, -401,
and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking found
on a main landing gear (MLG) drag strut assembly. This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective December 6, 2021.
ADDRESSES:
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-
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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
[[Page 60163]]
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#536a7e3225207e3d2a32303c7e303c20133532327d343c25"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="457c68243336682b3c24262a68262a36052324246b222a33">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued TCCA AD CF-2020-43, 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.
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-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2021 (86 FR
41794). The NPRM was prompted by a report of cracking found on an MLG
drag strut assembly. The NPRM proposed to 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 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. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
received. The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
indicated its support for the NPRM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 34 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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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 = Up $0 Up to $935................ Up to $31,790.
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:
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 * $ Up to $850................ Up to $850.
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 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 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
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:
(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.
[[Page 60164]]
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:
2021-23-03 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-21801; Docket No.
FAA-2021-0613; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01431-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 6, 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.
Figure 1 to the Introductory Text of Paragraph (g)--Affected MLG Drag
Strut Assembly
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Part No. Serial No.
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46301-13.................................. MBM0056
MBM0073
MBM0076
MBM0130
MBM0136
MBM0145
MBM0179
MBM0204
MBM0208
MBM0302
MBM0303
MBM0324
MBM0405
MBM0408
MBM0412
MBM0417
MBM0423
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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#043d29657277296a7d65676b29676b77446265652a636b72"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d44501c0b0e5013041c1e12501e120e3d1b1c1c531a120b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) For information about TCCA AD CF-2020-43, dated October 21,
2020, contact 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#08494c254b46487c6b266f6b266b69"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d9989df49a9799adbaf7bebaf7bab8">[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.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on October 26, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-23656 Filed 10-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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