Rule2023-27495
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
December 15, 2023
Effective
January 19, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) (Viking) Model DHC-3 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the left-hand side (LHS) and right- hand side (RHS) lower engine mount pickup fittings. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the affected parts for cracking, deformation, corrosion, fretting or wear, paint or surface coating damage, and loose, missing, or broken fasteners, and applicable corrective actions. This AD also requires reporting the inspection results. 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 240 (Friday, December 15, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 240 (Friday, December 15, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 86816-86819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27495]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1821; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01045-A;
Amendment 39-22601; AD 2023-22-17]
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: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc.
and de Havilland, Inc.) (Viking) Model DHC-3 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report of cracking in the left-hand side (LHS) and right-
hand side (RHS) lower engine mount pickup fittings. This AD requires a
one-time inspection of the affected parts for cracking, deformation,
corrosion, fretting or wear, paint or surface coating damage, and
loose, missing, or broken fasteners, and applicable corrective actions.
This AD also requires reporting the inspection results. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 19, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 19,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1821; 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 Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 de Havilland Way,
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; fax:
(403) 295-8888; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#25414d7a5140464d4b4c4644490b565055554a575165534c4e4c4b42444c570b464a48"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a2e22153e2f29222423292b2664393f3a3a25383e0a3c232123242d2b233864292527">[email protected]</span></a>; website:
<a href="http://vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins">vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins</a>.
<bullet> 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. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1821.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yaser Osman, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (917)
348-6266; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8aebfcf9a7e4f3ebe9e5a7e9e5f9caecebeba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fe9f888dd390879f9d91d39d918dbe989f9fd0999188">[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 all Viking Model DHC-3
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 7,
2023 (88 FR 61488). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2022-41, dated
August 4, 2022 (also referred to as the MCAI), issued by Transport
Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. The MCAI states
that Viking received a post inspection report of fatigue cracking on
the LHS and RHS of the lower engine mount pickup fittings on a Viking
Model DHC-3 airplane. The two upper and two lower engine mount pickup
fittings provide a rigid connection between the engine mount ring to
which the engine is secured, and the firewall rear face. The MCAI also
states that the current inspection requirements do not include a direct
inspection of the lower and upper engine mount pickup fittings, and
consequently, cracks or other damage to the engine mount pickup
fittings may not be detected. Additionally, the MCAI states that an
investigation determined that the upper engine mount pickup fittings
can also have undetected fatigue cracks because they are manufactured
from the same material as the lower engine mount pickup fittings.
Cracking of any of the engine mount pickup fittings can result in
failure of the fitting, leading to a loose connection of the engine
mount ring, which provides main support for the engine at the firewall.
This condition, if not addressed, could, in the case of cracking of any
of the engine mount pickup fittings, result in failure of the fitting,
leading to a loose connection of the engine mount ring and consequent
reduced control of the airplane. To address the unsafe condition, the
MCAI requires a one-time inspection of the affected parts and
applicable corrective
[[Page 86817]]
action. The MCAI also requires reporting the inspection results to
Viking.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection of
the affected parts for cracking, deformation, corrosion, fretting or
wear, paint or surface coating damage, and loose, missing, or broken
fasteners, and applicable corrective actions. Additionally, in the
NPRM, the FAA proposed to require reporting the inspection results. 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-2023-1821.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are 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 these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Part 1 of Viking PSM 1-3-3, DHC-3 Otter Repair
Manual, dated August 1, 1963. This service information specifies
procedures for determining the damage classification and repair limits
of any structural damage found on an engine mount pickup fitting and
determining if an affected engine mount pickup fitting can be repaired
or if it should be replaced. Although the watermarked words
``Uncontrolled for Reference Only'' appear on the title page and each
page of the table of contents of this document, and the watermarked
word ``Uncontrolled'' appears on each page of Part 1 of this document,
this is the current version.
The FAA also reviewed Part 1 of Viking PSM 1-3-5, DHC-3 Otter
Supplemental Inspection and Corrosion Control Manual, Revision IR,
dated December 21, 2017 (Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR). This service
information specifies procedures for repairing any damaged paint or
surface coating of an engine mount pickup fitting.
In addition, the FAA reviewed Viking Service Bulletin V3/0012,
Revision NC, dated January 20, 2022. This service information specifies
procedures for inspecting the upper and lower LHS and RHS engine mount
pickup fittings, reporting the inspection results, and performing
corrective actions. The corrective actions include replacing any loose,
missing, or broken fastener; and replacing any cracked or deformed
engine mount pickup fitting with a new or serviceable part.
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 ADDRESSES.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI requires contacting Viking for approval of proposed repair
instructions if any corrosion, wear, or fretting damage to any engine
mount pickup fitting is found and this AD does not. This AD requires
contacting either the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA;
Transport Canada; or Viking's Transport Canada Design Approval
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include
the DAO-authorized signature.
Where Part 1 of Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, specifies contacting
Viking if the alloy and condition of an affected engine mount pickup
fitting cannot be identified, this AD requires contacting the Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA; Transport Canada; or Viking's
Transport Canada DAO for instructions. If approved by the DAO, the
approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 65 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Detailed visual inspection of the 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $11,050
engine mount pickup fitting. hour = $170.
Report results of inspection.......... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 5,525
hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
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
these actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace engine mount pickup fitting.. 4 work-hours x $85 per Up to $692 per engine Up to $1,032 per engine
hour = $340 (per mount pickup fitting. mount pickup fitting.
engine mount pickup
fitting).
Replace the fastener with a new 1 work-hour x $85 per Negligible............. $85.
fastener. hour = $85.
Perform a detailed visual inspection 1 work-hour x $85 per $0..................... $85.
of the fastener hole. hour = $85.
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[[Page 86818]]
Any repair that may be needed as a result of the detailed visual
inspection of the engine mount pickup fitting could vary significantly
from airplane to airplane. The FAA has no data to determine the costs
to accomplish the repair or the number of airplanes that may require
repair.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
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:
2023-22-17 Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 39-22601; Docket
No. FAA-2023-1821; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01045-A.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 19, 2024.
(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-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7120, Engine Mount
Section.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the left-hand
side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) lower engine mount pickup
fittings. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in the LHS
and RHS lower engine mount pickup fittings. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could, in the case of cracking of any of the engine
mount pickup fittings, result in failure of the fitting, leading to
a loose connection of the engine mount ring, which provides main
support for the engine at the firewall, and consequent reduced
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed visual inspection of the lower engine mount pickup fittings
part numbers (P/Ns) C3FS46-7 and C3FS46-8 and the upper engine mount
pickup fittings P/Ns C3FS42-5 and C3FS42-6 for cracking, deformation
(altered form or shape), corrosion, fretting or wear, paint or
surface coating damage (loose, delaminating, flaking, peeling,
chipping of the coating or paint, exposed bare metal, or corroded),
and loose, missing, or broken fasteners, in accordance with Part A,
steps 1 through 8, of the Accomplishment Instructions in Viking
Service Bulletin V3/0012, Revision NC, dated January 20, 2022
(Viking SB V3/0012).
(2) If any crack or deformation (altered form or shape) of any
engine mount pickup fitting is found during the detailed visual
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further
flight, replace the fitting with a new or serviceable part, in
accordance with Part A, step 10, of the Accomplishment Instructions
in Viking SB V3/0012. For purposes of this AD, ``new'' means zero
hours time-in-service.
(3) If any paint or surface coating of the engine mount pickup
fitting is found damaged (loose, delaminating, flaking, peeling,
chipping of the coating or paint, exposed bare metal, or corroded)
during the detailed visual inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD, before further flight, repair the fitting in accordance
with Part 1 of Viking PSM 1-3-5, DHC-3 Otter Supplemental Inspection
and Corrosion Control Manual, Revision IR, dated December 21, 2017
(Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR), and Part A, step 12, of the
Accomplishment Instructions in Viking SB V3/0012. Where Part 1 of
Viking PSM 1-3-5, Revision IR, specifies contacting Viking if the
alloy and condition of an affected engine mount pickup fitting
cannot be identified, this AD requires contacting the Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA; Transport Canada; or Viking's
Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO) for
instructions.
(4) If any loose, missing, or broken fastener is found during
the detailed visual inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD, before further flight, replace the fastener with a new fastener,
do a detailed visual inspection of the fastener hole to detect
cracking, corrosion, an elongated bore hole, bore surface roughness,
or other defects (abnormalities when compared to a new part), and
repair any damage found or replace the engine mount pickup fitting
with a new or serviceable part if damage is beyond repairable
limits, in accordance with Part 1
[[Page 86819]]
of Viking PSM 1-3-3 DHC-3 Otter Repair Manual, dated August 1, 1963,
and Part A, step 9, of the Accomplishment Instructions in Viking SB
V3/0012.
(5) If any corrosion, wear, or fretting to any engine mount
pickup fitting is found during the detailed visual inspection
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight,
contact the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; Transport
Canada; or Viking's Transport Canada DAO to obtain instructions for
an approved repair and, within the compliance timeframe specified
therein, do the repair. If approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature. Alternatively, before further
flight, replace the engine mount pickup fitting with a new or
serviceable part in accordance with Part A, step 10, of the
Accomplishment Instructions in Viking SB V3/0012.
(h) Reporting Requirement
Report the inspection results from the detailed visual
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD at the applicable
time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD in accordance
with Part A, step 14, of the Accomplishment Instructions in Viking
SB V3/0012.
(1) For inspections done on or after the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) For inspections done before the effective date of this AD:
Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, mail
it to the address identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD or email
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9aa3b7dbccc9b7dbd3c8b7ada9aab7dbd7d5d9dafcfbfbb4fdf5ec"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f0c9ddb1a6a3ddb1b9a2ddc7c3c0ddb1bdbfb3b0969191de979f86">[email protected]</span></a>. If mailing information, also submit
information by email. 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) Additional Information
(1) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2022-41, dated August 4,
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-2023-1821.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Yaser Osman,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (917) 348-6266; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d28bb3a1b7a0fc9ffc9da1bfb3bc92b4b3b3fcb5bda4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="de87bfadbbacf093f091adb3bfb09eb8bfbff0b9b1a8">[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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Viking PSM 1-3-3, DHC-3 Otter Repair Manual, Part 1, dated
August 1, 1963.
Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): Although the document specified
in paragraph (k)(2)(i) has the watermarked words ``Uncontrolled for
Reference Only'' on the title page and each page of the table of
contents, and the watermarked word ``Uncontrolled'' on each page of
Part 1, this is a current version of that document.
(ii) Viking PSM 1-3-5, DHC-3 Otter Supplemental Inspection and
Corrosion Control Manual, Revision IR, Part 1, dated December 21,
2017.
(iii) Viking Service Bulletin V3/0012, Revision NC, dated
January 20, 2022.
(3) For Viking service information identified in this AD,
contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 de Havilland Way,
Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444;
fax: (403) 295-8888; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c9ada196bdacaaa1a7a0aaa8a5e7babcb9b9a6bbbd89bfa0a2a0a7aea8a0bbe7aaa6a4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1c78744368797f7472757f7d70326f696c6c736e685c6a757775727b7d756e327f7371">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: <a href="http://vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins">vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins</a>.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8fe9fda1e6e1fcffeaecfbe6e0e1cfe1eefdeea1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e584c1057504d4e5b5d4a5751507e505f4c5f10595148">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 3, 2023.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-27495 Filed 12-14-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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