Rule2023-05060
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
March 14, 2023
Effective
April 18, 2023
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 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of flap power unit (FPU) pressure switch failures resulting in flap inoperative events. This AD requires replacing the FPU or replacing the FPU pressure switch and reidentifying the FPU. This AD also prohibits the installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 49 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15609-15611]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05060]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1653; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01193-T;
Amendment 39-22370; AD 2023-05-01]
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: 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 series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of flap power unit (FPU)
pressure switch failures resulting in flap inoperative events. This AD
requires replacing the FPU or replacing the FPU pressure switch and
reidentifying the FPU. This AD also prohibits the installation of
affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 18, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 18,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1653; 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, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer
Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9,
Canada; telephone North America (toll-free): 855-310-1013, Direct: 647-
277-5820; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8bca0ac88f4a9e8a0baadaef5" http: dehavilland.com">dehavilland.com</a>">thd@<a href="http://dehavilland.com">dehavilland.com</a></a>; website <a href="http://dehavilland.com">dehavilland.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material 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 in the AD docket at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1653.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabriel Kim, Aerospace Engineer,
Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ecd5c18d9a9fc182958d8f83c18f839fac8a8d8dc28b839a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e57430f181d4300170f0d01430d011d2e080f0f40090118">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 15610]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
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 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2022 (87 FR 78881).
The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2022-52, dated September 1, 2022, issued
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada
(Transport Canada AD CF-2022-52) (also referred to as the MCAI). The
MCAI states there have been increasing reports of FPU pressure switch
failures, part number (P/N) 150135-1 or P/N 162660-1, over the past
year leading to a high number of flap inoperative events in flight and
on the ground. An investigation has determined the root cause to be a
deformation of the FPU pressure switch internal mechanism due to
hydraulic pressure spikes. If not corrected, a failed FPU pressure
switch could lead to a failure of the FPU resulting in abnormal flap
landings and increased landing distances, which could require the use
of emergency landing procedures and/or airfield diversions. The
improved pressure switch, P/N 162660-2, has a restrictor insert in the
pressure switch inlet.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing the FPU pressure
switch or the FPU. The NPRM also proposed to prohibit the installation
of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1653.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Explanation of Additional Changes
In the NPRM, the FAA inadvertently omitted the operational test of
the wing flaps specified in Section 3.C. paragraph (2) of De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23,
2022, including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June
13, 2022. The MCAI requires this step, which is important to ensure the
aircraft is airworthy before it is returned to service. The FAA has
therefore revised paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD to clarify that
the operational test is required by this AD.
The FAA has revised paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to clarify that De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated
June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029,
dated June 13, 2022, is the appropriate service information for
accomplishing the actions in this AD. The FAA had referred to these
bulletins separately, but since they are published as one document, the
FAA corrected the citation.
Conclusion
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
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on this product.
Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes described
previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the
changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace
Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022. This service information
specifies procedures for replacing FPU P/N C148656-1 or C148656-2 with
a new FPU P/N C148656-3, or replacing FPU pressure switch P/N 150135-1
or 162660-1 within the FPU with a new pressure switch P/N 162660-2 and
re-identifying the FPU as P/N C148656-3, and accomplishing an
operational test of the wing flaps. This material is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES
section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 53 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 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $3,000........... Up to $3,510........... Up to $186,030.
$510.
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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,
[[Page 15611]]
(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.
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:
2023-05-01 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22370; Docket No.
FAA-2022-1653; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01193-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 18, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type
Certificate previously held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC-8-401 and
-402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001
and 4003 through 4633 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of flap power unit (FPU)
pressure switch failures resulting in flap inoperative events. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address FPU pressure switch failures. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in abnormal flap
landings and increased landing distances, which could require the
use of emergency landing procedures and/or airfield diversions.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Within 8,000 flight hours or 48 months after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do the actions specified in
either paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD.
(1) Replace FPU part number (P/N) C148656-1 or C148656-2 with P/
N C148656-3 and do an operational test of the wing flaps in
accordance with Section 3.B. paragraph (1) and Section 3.C.
paragraph (2), of the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23,
2022, including Collins Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated
June 13, 2022.
(2) Replace FPU pressure switch P/N 150135-1 or 162660-1 with P/
N 162660-2, reidentify the FPU as P/N C148656-3, and do an
operational test of the wing flaps in accordance with Section 3.B.
paragraph (2) and Section 3.C. paragraph (2), of the Accomplishment
Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace
Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a FPU having
P/N C148656-1 or C148656-2 or a FPU pressure switch having P/N
150135-1 or 162660-1 on any airplane.
(i) Additional 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. 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; or De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited's Transport Canada Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-52, dated September 1,
2022, for related information. This Transport Canada AD may be found
in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1653.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Gabriel Kim,
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services
Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#261f0b4750550b485f4745490b4549556640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cdf4e0acbbbee0a3b4acaea2e0aea2be8dabacace3aaa2bb">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-
27-75, dated June 23, 2022, including Collins Aerospace Service
Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): De Havilland issued De Havilland
Service Bulletin 84-27-75, dated June 23, 2022, with Collins
Aerospace Service Bulletin 27-0029, dated June 13, 2022, attached as
one ``merged'' file for the convenience of affected operators.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Dash 8 Series Customer
Response Centre, 5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5K9,
Canada; telephone North America (toll-free): 855-310-1013, Direct:
647-277-5820; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8bca0ac88f4a9e8a0baadaef5" http: dehavilland.com">dehavilland.com</a>">thd@<a href="http://dehavilland.com">dehavilland.com</a></a>; website <a href="http://dehavilland.com">dehavilland.com</a>.
(4) You may view this material 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 material 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#1b7d69357275686b7e786f7274755b757a697a357c746d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f09682de999e8380959384999f9eb09e918291de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on March 2, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-05060 Filed 3-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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