[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 98 (Wednesday, May 20, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30595-30597]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10741]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0101; Product Identifier 2019-NM-190-AD; Amendment
39-19908; AD 2020-09-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
(Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (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 a report that certain elevator power
control unit (PCU) arm fittings have nonconforming fillet radii. This
AD requires an inspection for affected elevator PCU assemblies,
inspections of affected elevator PCU arm fittings for nonconforming
fillet radii and cracks, replacement if necessary, and re-
identification of the affected elevator PCU assemblies. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 24, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 24,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Q-Series Technical
Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada;
phone: 416-375-4000; fax: 416-375-4539; email: [email protected];
internet: https://dehavilland.com. 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0101.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0101; 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, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Jimenez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7330; fax: 516-
794-5531; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2019-36, dated October
18, 2019 (``AD CF-2019-36'') (also referred to as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited
Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. You may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0101.
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 February 24, 2020 (85 FR 10344).
The NPRM was prompted by a report that certain elevator PCU arm
fittings have nonconforming fillet radii. The NPRM proposed to require
an inspection for affected elevator PCU assemblies, inspections of
affected elevator PCU arm fittings for nonconforming fillet radii and
cracks, replacement if necessary, and re-identification of the affected
elevator PCU assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address elevator
PCU assemblies with nonconforming fillet radii, which could lead to
premature failure of the fitting and a jam in one elevator; if the
fittings on both elevators fail, a complete loss of elevator control
could occur. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA received no
[[Page 30596]]
comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed,
except for minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has issued Service Bulletin
84-55-10, Revision A, dated July 25, 2019. This service information
describes procedures for an inspection for affected elevator PCU
assemblies, inspections of affected elevator PCU arm fittings for
nonconforming fillet radii and cracks, replacement if necessary, and
re-identification of the affected elevator PCU assemblies. 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 38 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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5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425........................... $0 $425 $16,150
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition replacement that would be required based on the results of
any required inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number
of aircraft that might need this on-condition replacement:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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14 work-hours x $85 per hour Up to $9,060 ($1,510 Up to $10,250.
= $1,190. per elevator PCU
arm fittings--6
total per airplane).
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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.
Adoption of 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 (AD):
2020-09-12 De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.): Amendment 39-19908; Docket No.
FAA-2020-0101; Product Identifier 2019-NM-190-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 24, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model
DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 series airplanes, certificated in any
category, serial numbers 4001 and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that certain elevator power
control unit (PCU) arm fittings have nonconforming fillet radii. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address elevator PCU assemblies with
nonconforming fillet radii, which could lead to premature failure of
the fitting and a jam in one elevator; if the fittings on both
elevators fail, a complete loss of elevator control could occur.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
[[Page 30597]]
(g) Definition
Affected elevator PCU assemblies are those having part number
85527021-005 or 85527021-006, and having serial number MMC4255
through MMC4276 inclusive.
(h) Inspections
For airplanes having serial numbers 4001 through 4620 inclusive,
within 8,000 flight cycles on the elevator PCU assembly after the
effective date of this AD, or before the accumulation of 30,000
total flight cycles on the elevator PCU assembly, whichever occurs
first: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this
AD.
(1) Inspect to determine the part number and serial number of
each elevator PCU assembly installed on the airplane. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the part number and serial number of the elevator PCU
assembly can be conclusively determined from that review.
(2) If, during any inspection or records review required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, any affected elevator PCU assembly is
found, do a detailed inspection of the elevator PCU arm fittings for
undersized fillet radii and cracks of the fillet radii in accordance
with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland
Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-10, Revision A,
dated July 25, 2019. If no undersized fillet radii or cracks of the
fillet radii are found, before further flight, re-identify the
affected elevator PCU assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84-55-10, Revision A, dated July 25, 2019.
(i) Corrective Actions
If during any inspection of the elevator PCU arm fittings
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, any undersized fillet radii
or cracks of the fillet radii are found, before further flight,
replace the elevator PCU arm fittings and re-identify each affected
elevator PCU assembly in accordance with Part B of the
Accomplishment Instructions of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada
Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-10, Revision A, dated July 25, 2019.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an
affected elevator PCU assembly on any airplane, unless it has been
re-identified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-10,
Revision A, dated July 25, 2019.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada Limited Service Bulletin 84-55-10, dated May 29, 2019.
(l) No Reporting Requirement
Although De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Service
Bulletin 84-55-10, Revision A, dated July 25, 2019, specifies to
submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(m) Other FAA 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 local Flight Standards District 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; phone: 516-228-7300; fax: 516-794-5531. 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.
(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 Civil Aviation (TCCA); or De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited's TCCA Design Approval
Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must
include the DAO-authorized signature.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2019-36, dated October 18, 2019, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2020-0101.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Andrea Jimenez,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New York
ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 516-228-7330; fax: 516-794-5531; email: [email protected].
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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-
55-10, Revision A, dated July 25, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact De
Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Q-Series Technical Help Desk,
123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; phone: 416-
375-4000; fax: 416-375-4539; email: [email protected]; internet:
https://dehavilland.com.
(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 [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on May 6, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-10741 Filed 5-19-20; 8:45 am]
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