Rule2025-03880
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 12, 2025
Effective
April 16, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01- 02, which applied to certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. AD 2022-01-02 required inspecting for corrosion of the nacelle to wing rear spar attachment pins, and the nacelle to landing gear attachment pins, and doing all applicable corrective actions. This AD was prompted by a determination that some operators were unable to identify the airplanes subject to each requirement. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2022-01-02, clarifies the affected airplanes for each required action, and revises the applicability by removing Model DHC-8-400 airplanes; as specified in Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 47 (Wednesday, March 12, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 12, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11800-11802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03880]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2420; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00143-T;
Amendment 39-22978; AD 2025-05-06]
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-
02, which applied to certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. AD 2022-01-02 required
inspecting for corrosion of the nacelle to wing rear spar attachment
pins, and the nacelle to landing gear attachment pins, and doing all
applicable corrective actions. This AD was prompted by a determination
that some operators were unable to identify the airplanes subject to
each requirement. This AD continues to require the actions specified in
AD 2022-01-02, clarifies the affected airplanes for each required
action, and revises the applicability by removing Model DHC-8-400
airplanes; as specified in Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated
by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 18, 3036.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 18,
3036.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2420; 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 Transport Canada material identified in this AD,
contact Transport Canada, 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#84d0c7aac5edf6f3ebf6f0ecedeae1f7f7c0edf6e1e7f0edf2e1f7a9c7ebeaf7ede3eae1f7e0e1eae5f2ede3e5e6ede8edf0e1aad0c7c4f0e7aae3e7aae7e5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c382f422d051e1b031e18040502091f1f28051e090f18051a091f412f03021f050b02091f0809020d1a050b0d0e050005180942382f2c180f420b0f420f0d">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the
Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
<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 at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2420.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fatin Saumik, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
telephone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d9e0f4b8afaaf4b7a0b8bab6f4bab6aa99bfb8b8f7beb6af"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c6ffeba7b0b5eba8bfa7a5a9eba5a9b586a0a7a7e8a1a9b0">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-01-02, Amendment 39-21890 (87 FR 4145,
January 27, 2022) (AD 2022-01-02). AD 2022-01-02 applied to certain De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402
airplanes. AD 2022-01-02 required doing a detailed visual inspection
for corrosion of the nacelle to wing rear spar attachment pins, and the
nacelle to landing gear attachment pins, and doing all applicable
corrective actions. The FAA issued AD 2022-01-02 to address premature
corrosion and subsequent failure of the nacelle to landing gear and
nacelle to rear wing spar attachment pins, which, if undetected, could
lead to a single or dual collapse of the main landing gear.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2024 (89
FR 88910). The NPRM was prompted by AD CF-2020-51R2, dated February 27,
2024, issued by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for
Canada (Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2) (also referred to as the
MCAI). The MCAI provides clarification of the applicability for each of
its parts (Parts I through V) and otherwise maintains the requirements
of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R1. It also revises the applicability
section to remove Model DHC-8-400 airplanes since no Model DHC-8-400
airplanes have been delivered.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions
specified in AD 2022-01-02, clarify the affected airplanes for each
required action, and revise the applicability by removing Model DHC-8-
400 airplanes, as specified in Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2. The
NPRM also proposed to correct an error in AD 2022-01-02, which included
a compliance time that incorrectly used the number of flight cycles on
the airplane instead of on the pins. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address premature corrosion and subsequent failure of the nacelle to
landing gear and nacelle to rear wing spar attachment pins. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result a single or dual collapse of
the main landing gear.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2420.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
[[Page 11801]]
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received an additional comment from Horizon Air. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to that comment.
Request for Corrections to Exception Paragraph
Horizon Air stated that the proposed AD incorrectly listed the FAA
AD number as the Transport Canada AD number in the paragraph title and
in paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD. Horizon Air requested that the
number be replaced with the Transport Canada AD number, CF-2020-51R2,
in the title and paragraph (h)(1) of the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees with the requested change to correctly identify the
Transport Canada AD number. The FAA has changed this AD accordingly.
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
comment 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2 specifies procedures for doing a
detailed visual inspection of the nacelle to wing rear spar attachment
pins, and the nacelle to landing gear attachment pins, for any
corrosion; and doing all applicable corrective actions. Corrective
actions include applying epoxy primer to the bore surface of the pins,
performing a fluorescent magnetic particle inspection for any cracking,
removing corrosion, reworking and part marking certain pins, and
replacing any cracked or corroded pins with serviceable pins.
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 the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates this AD affects 41 airplanes in the U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 25 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up to $21.............. Up to $2,146........... Up to $87,986.
Up to $2,125.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-02, Amendment 39-21890
(87 FR 4145, January 27, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2025-05-06 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-22978; Docket No.
FAA-2024-2420; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00143-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 18, 3036.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-01-02, Amendment 39-21890 (87 FR 4145,
January 27, 2022) (AD 2022-01-02).
(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, as identified in
Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2, dated February 27, 2024 (Transport
Canada AD CF-2020-51R2).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that the epoxy primer on the
internal bore of the
[[Page 11802]]
nacelle and landing gear attachment pins was not applied, and by
corrosion found on the internal bore of the wing rear spar
attachment pins. The FAA is issuing this AD to address premature
corrosion and subsequent failure of the nacelle to landing gear and
nacelle to rear wing spar attachment pins. The unsafe condition, if
not addressed, could result a single or dual collapse of the main
landing gear.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2.
(h) Exceptions to Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2 refers to ``the
effective date of AD CF-2020-51, 9 December 2020,'' this AD requires
using March 3, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-01-02).
(2) Where paragraph A. of Parts I, II, and III, and Parts IV and
V, of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2 specifies the compliance
time, for this AD, the compliance time for paragraph A. of Parts I,
II, and III, and for Parts IV and V, of Transport Canada AD CF-2020-
51R2 is at the later of the times in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (ii)
of this AD.
(i) Prior to the pins reaching 14 years from their entry-into-
service or prior to the pins reaching 30,000 total flight cycles,
whichever occurs first.
(ii) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Additional AD Provisions
(1) 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified
in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#42030f0d01022423236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="692824262a290f0808470e061f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2022-01-02 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Transport Canada AD CF-
2020-51R2 that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(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, International
Validation 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
For more information about this AD, contact Fatin Saumik,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e4ddc9859297c98a9d85878bc9878b97a4828585ca838b92"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="60594d0116134d0e1901030f4d030f13200601014e070f16">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Transport Canada AD CF-2020-51R2, dated February 27, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact
Transport Canada, 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#095d4a2748607b7e667b7d6160676c7a7a4d607b6c6a7d607f6c7a244a66677a606e676c7a6d6c67687f606e686b6065607d6c275d4a497d6a276e6a276a68"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cc988fe28da5bebba3beb8a4a5a2a9bfbf88a5bea9afb8a5baa9bfe18fa3a2bfa5aba2a9bfa8a9a2adbaa5abadaea5a0a5b8a9e2988f8cb8afe2abafe2afad">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on
the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
(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 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#197f6b3770776a697c7a6d7076775977786b78377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1b7d69357275686b7e786f7274755b757a697a357c746d">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 28, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-03880 Filed 3-11-25; 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 March 12, 2025.
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.