Rule2023-10333
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
May 16, 2023
Effective
June 20, 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-8-401 and - 402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of corrosion where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced, which affected design margins. This AD requires inspecting the horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel for corrosion, and reworking, repairing, or replacing the lower center skin panel 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 88 Issue 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 16, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31148-31152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10333]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1403; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00122-T;
Amendment 39-22408; AD 2023-07-06]
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-8-401 and -
402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the
horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of
corrosion where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced,
which affected design margins. This AD requires inspecting the
horizontal stabilizer lower center skin panel for corrosion, and
reworking, repairing, or replacing the lower center skin panel if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 20, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 20,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1403; 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 855-310-1013 or 647-277-5820; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#41352925017d2061293324277c" 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>.
[[Page 31149]]
<bullet> 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 at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1403.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yaser Osman, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion 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#0a33276b7c792764736b6965276965794a6c6b6b246d657c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="497064283f3a642730282a26642a263a092f2828672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
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-8-401 and -402 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on November 4, 2022 (87 FR 66619).
The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2022-02, dated January 28, 2022, issued
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada
(referred to after this as the MCAI). The MCAI states that there have
been reports of corrosion on the horizontal stabilizer lower center
skin panel, including a finding of corrosion where the skin thickness
had been substantially reduced, affecting design margins. The root
cause was found to be inconsistent chemical processing of the lower
center skin panel, with missing anodizing layer and primer on some
areas of the skin panel surface. A substantial reduction of skin panel
thickness due to the effects of corrosion will compromise the
structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the horizontal
stabilizer lower center skin panel for corrosion, and reworking,
repairing, or replacing the lower center skin panel if necessary.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible reduction of skin
panel thickness due to the effects of corrosion, which could compromise
the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer. You may examine
the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-
1403.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from Horizon Air. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to the comment.
Request To Limit Certain Requirements
Horizon Air requested that paragraph (g)(3)(i) of the proposed AD
require only Section 3.B. (Procedure) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84-55-11, dated February 16, 2021. Horizon Air stated that
requiring the job set-up and close out sections restricts an operator's
ability to perform other maintenance in conjunction with the
incorporation of the service information. Horizon Air added that the
job set-up and close out sections do not directly correct the unsafe
conditions.
The FAA agrees with the request to limit the requirements to
simplify the procedure and allow the performance of other maintenance
in conjunction with the required actions of this AD. Paragraph
(g)(3)(i) of this AD has been changed to limit the requirements as
requested.
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, considered the
comments received, 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
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has issued Service Bulletin
84-55-05, Revision C, dated August 19, 2021. This service information
describes procedures for inspecting the horizontal stabilizer lower
center skin panel for corrosion, and, depending on the level of
corrosion, reworking or repairing the horizontal stabilizer lower
center skin panel.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has also issued Service
Bulletin 84-55-11, dated February 16, 2021. This service information
describes procedures for replacing the horizontal stabilizer lower
center skin panel.
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 affects 56 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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108 work-hours x $85 per hour = $9,180....................... $0 $9,180 $514,080
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacements 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 this on-condition replacement:
[[Page 31150]]
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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108 work-hours x $85 per hour = $9,180 $21,449 $30,629
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs or rework 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.
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:
2023-07-06 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22408; Docket No.
FAA-2022-1403; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00122-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 20, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model
DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes, certificated in any category, having
serial numbers 4001 and 4003 through 4549 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the horizontal
stabilizer lower center skin panel, including a finding of corrosion
where the skin thickness had been substantially reduced, which
affected design margins. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
possible substantial reduction of skin panel thickness due to the
effects of corrosion, which could compromise the structural
integrity of the horizontal stabilizer.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions
(1) Within 8,000 flight hours or 48 months, whichever occurs
first, after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the horizontal
stabilizer lower center skin panel for corrosion in accordance with
Section 3.B. Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05
Revision C, dated August 19, 2021. If any corrosion is found, before
further flight, do the applicable actions specified in paragraph
(g)(2) or (3) of this AD.
(2) If the corrosion is within the allowable repair limits as
specified in Figure 5 Detail C of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021,
perform the corrosion rework in accordance with Section 3.B. Part B
of the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05 Revision C, dated August
19, 2021.
(3) If the corrosion is beyond the allowable repair limits as
specified in Figure 5 Detail C of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05 Revision C, dated August 19, 2021,
accomplish the action specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of
this AD.
(i) Replace the existing horizontal stabilizer lower center skin
panel in accordance with Section 3.B. Procedure of the
Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-11, dated February 16, 2021.
(ii) Obtain and follow repair instructions 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 Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO,
the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05, Initial Issue,
dated January 12, 2016; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Service Bulletin 84-55-05, Revision A, dated June 3, 2016; or De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-05,
Revision B, dated February 26, 2021.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using any of the repair
drawings (RDs) specified in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (h)--Repair Drawings
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16MY23.000
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(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 Approval Organization (DAO). If
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized
signature.
(j) Additional Information
(1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-02, dated January 28,
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-2022-1403.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Yaser Osman,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion 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#e2dbcf839491cf8c9b83818dcf818d91a2848383cc858d94"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="437a6e2235306e2d3a22202c6e202c30032522226d242c35">[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 (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(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-
55-05, Revision C, dated August 19, 2021.
(ii) De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin
84-55-11, dated February 16, 2021.
(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 855-310-1013 or 647-277-5820; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#60140804205c0140081205065d" 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 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#4127336f282f3231242235282e2f012f2033206f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="177165397e7964677274637e7879577976657639707861">[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>.
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Issued on April 8, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-10333 Filed 5-15-23; 8:45 am]
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