Proposed Rule2022-02413
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, 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
February 7, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC- 6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as loose quadrants on the rudder pedal torque tube and signs of loose rivets or rivet joint wear due to inadequate manufacturing tolerances. This proposed AD would require inspecting the rudder pedal torque tube quadrant for looseness and taking corrective action as necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 25 (Monday, February 7, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6802-6804]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02413]
[[Page 6802]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0217; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01486-A]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-
6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes. This proposed AD results
from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated
by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an
unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe
condition as loose quadrants on the rudder pedal torque tube and signs
of loose rivets or rivet joint wear due to inadequate manufacturing
tolerances. This proposed AD would require inspecting the rudder pedal
torque tube quadrant for looseness and taking corrective action as
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 March 24,
2022.
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.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Viking Air
Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5;
phone: (800) 663-8444; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98fbf7f6ecf1f6edf1f6ffb6f9f1eaeff7eaecf0f1f6fdebebd8eef1f3f1f6fff9f1eab6fbf7f5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="34575b5a405d5a415d5a531a555d46435b46405c5d5a51474774425d5f5d5a53555d461a575b59">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: <a href="https://www.vikingair.com">https://www.vikingair.com</a>. You may view this service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
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-2021-0217; 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, the MCAI,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deep Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer,
New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (516) 228-7300; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6a2a3a3b6e8a1a7b3b4a7b086a0a7a7e8a1a9b0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95f1f0f0e5bbf2f4e0e7f4e3d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[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-2021-0217; Project Identifier
MCAI-2020-01486-A'' 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
this 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 Deep
Gaurav, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515
Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590. 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, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2020-45R1, dated April 16, 2021 (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for
Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, DHC-6 series
110, DHC-6 series 200, DHC-6 series 210, DHC-6 series 300, DHC-6 series
310, DHC-6 series 320 and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes, serial numbers
001 through 987. The MCAI states:
There have been in-service reports of loose quadrants on the
rudder pedal torque tube and signs of loose rivets or rivet joint
wear, such as dark areas or streaks around the rivet heads and
quadrant to torque tube interface. Viking Air Ltd. has determined
that inadequate manufacturing tolerances may result in this
condition. This defect, if not detected and corrected, could result
in the affected parts deteriorating until the rivets fail, leading
to loss of control of the rudder and possible loss of control of the
aeroplane.
To detect and correct this condition, [Transport Canada] AD CF-
2020-45 mandated a one-time detailed inspection of the rudder pedal
torque tube quadrant assembly, and rectification, as required, of
the affected parts.
Viking Air Ltd. had published Service Bulletin (SB) V6/0067,
Revision NC, dated 16 July 2020, providing Accomplishment
Instructions for the one-time detailed inspection for looseness of
the affected parts. Since [Transport Canada] AD CF-2020-45 was
issued, Viking Air Ltd. has introduced a new rudder pedal torque
tube assembly in production that is not subject to the unsafe
condition of this [Transport Canada] AD. As a result, Viking Air
Ltd. has revised the SB V6/0067 at Revision A, dated 26 January 2021
(referred to as ``the SB'' in this [Transport Canada] AD) to update
the aeroplane serial number applicability.
This [Transport Canada] AD revision, CF-2020-45R1, is issued to
modify the aeroplane serial number applicability in accordance with
the SB.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for
[[Page 6803]]
and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0217.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0067,
Revision A, dated January 26, 2021. This service information specifies
procedures for inspecting the rudder pedal torque tube quadrant for
looseness and performing a detailed visual inspection of the rudder
torque tube assembly for signs of loose rivets or rivet joint wear.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/
0067, Revision NC, dated July 16, 2020. This service information
specifies procedures for inspecting the rudder pedal torque tube
quadrant for looseness and visually inspecting for signs of loose or
smoking rivets.
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 this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining 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 accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described, except as discussed under
``Differences Between This NPRM and the MCAI.''
Differences Between This NPRM and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 series 110, DHC-
6 series 210, DHC-6 series 310, and DHC-6 series 320, and this proposed
AD would not because these models do not have an FAA type certificate.
Transport Canada Models DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, DHC-6 series
200, DHC-6 series 300, and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes correspond to FAA
Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400
airplanes, respectively.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 33 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost airplane operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per Not Applicable....... $85 $2,805
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to replace the rudder pedal
torque tube quadrant assembly based on the results of the proposed
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
airplanes that might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rudder pedal torque tube quadrant assembly 10 work-hours x $85 per hour = $9,256 $10,106
replacement. $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
[[Page 6804]]
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:
Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier
Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA-2021-0217; Project
Identifier MCAI-2020-01486-A.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by March 24, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (type certificate
previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model
DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes,
serial numbers 001 through 987, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2700, Flight Control
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as loose quadrants
on the rudder pedal torque tube and signs of loose rivets or rivet
joint wear due to inadequate manufacturing tolerances. The FAA is
issuing this AD to detect and correct loose rivets or rivet joint
wear and signs of loose or smoking rivets. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result in the rudder pedal torque tube quadrant
assembly deteriorating until the rivets fail, leading to loss of
rudder control with consequent loss of airplane control.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Action
Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the
rudder pedal torque tube quadrant assembly for looseness and, if
there is any looseness of the rudder pedal torque tube quadrant
assembly, a loose rivet, any rivet joint wear, or a smoking rivet,
before further flight, repair or replace the rudder pedal torque
tube or quadrant assembly. Do these actions by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, steps A.1. through A.9., in Viking DHC-
6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin No. V6/0067, Revision A, dated January
26, 2021, except for any requirement to obtain repair instructions
from Viking Customer Support, the repair must be accomplished using
a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA;
Transport Canada; or Viking Air Limited's Transport Canada Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of
this AD using Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin V6/0067,
Revision NC, dated July 16, 2020.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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 local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
address identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
(2) 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Deep Gaurav,
Aviation Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1515 Stewart
Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7300; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a5c1c0c0d58bc2c4d0d7c4d3e5c3c4c48bc2cad3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9cf8f9f9ecb2fbfde9eefdeadcfafdfdb2fbf3ea">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2020-45R1, dated April 16,
2021, for more information. You may examine the Transport Canada AD
in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0217.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia,
Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4c2f23223825223925222b622d253e3b233e38242522293f3f0c3a252725222b2d253e622f2321"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aac9c5c4dec3c4dfc3c4cd84cbc3d8ddc5d8dec2c3c4cfd9d9eadcc3c1c3c4cdcbc3d884c9c5c7">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.vikingair.com">https://www.vikingair.com</a>. You may review this referenced service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
Issued on January 28, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02413 Filed 2-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 7, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.