[Federal Register: February 28, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 40)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 10658-10659]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28fe08-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0213; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-233-AD;
Amendment 39-15389; AD 2008-04-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103,
DHC-8-106, DHC-8-201, DHC-8-202, DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, and DHC-8-315
Airplanes, and Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Several cases have been reported where the pilot, co-pilot or
observer utility light system has failed, resulting in a burning
smell within the cockpit. An investigation has revealed that, due to
the orientation and location of the carbon molded potentiometers
used to control the intensity of the light, the potentiometers can
fail and overheat in such a way that burning of the ceiling panel
and the associated insulation blanket could occur. This could lead
to the presence of smoke in the cockpit, requiring that the pilots
carry out the appropriate emergency procedure.
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 3, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 3,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification
Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7311; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2007
(72 FR 65476). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for
the specified products. The MCAI states:
Several cases have been reported where the pilot, co-pilot or
observer utility light system has failed, resulting in a burning
smell within the cockpit. An investigation has revealed that, due to
the orientation and location of the carbon molded potentiometers
used to control the intensity of the light, the potentiometers can
fail and overheat in such a way that burning of the ceiling panel
and the associated insulation blanket could occur. This could lead
to the presence of smoke in the cockpit, requiring that the pilots
carry out the appropriate emergency procedure.
Corrective actions include replacing the affected carbon molded
resistive element potentiometers with wire-wound type potentiometers
for the pilot, co-pilot, and, if applicable, observer utility lights.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 186 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 3 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the
U.S. operators to be $44,640, or $240 per product.
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.
We are 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
We determined that 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.
[[Page 10659]]
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 AD:
2008-04-17 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment
39-15389. Docket No. FAA-2007-0213; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
233-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 3,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103,
DHC-8-106, DHC-8-201, DHC-8-202, DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, and DHC-8-315
airplanes, serial numbers 003 through 639; and Model DHC-8-400
series airplanes, serial numbers 4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through
4149; certificated in any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 33: Lights.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Several cases have been reported where the pilot, co-pilot or
observer utility light system has failed, resulting in a burning
smell within the cockpit. An investigation has revealed that, due to
the orientation and location of the carbon molded potentiometers
used to control the intensity of the light, the potentiometers can
fail and overheat in such a way that burning of the ceiling panel
and the associated insulation blanket could occur. This could lead
to the presence of smoke in the cockpit, requiring that the pilots
carry out the appropriate emergency procedure.
Corrective actions include replacing the affected carbon molded
resistive element potentiometers with wire-wound type potentiometers
for the pilot, co-pilot, and, if applicable, observer utility
lights.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, unless
already done, do the following actions.
(1) For Model DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103, DHC-8-106, DHC-8-201, DHC-8-
202, DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, and DHC-8-315 airplanes: Install
Bombardier Modsum 8Q101603 to replace the affected carbon molded
resistive element potentiometers with wire-wound type potentiometers
for both the pilot and co-pilot utility lights, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-
53, Revision A, dated March 14, 2007.
(2) For Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes: Install Bombardier
Modsum 4-126381 to replace the affected carbon molded resistive
element potentiometers with wire-wound type potentiometers for the
pilot, co-pilot, and observer utility lights, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-10,
Revision A, dated March 14, 2007.
(3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-53 or 84-33-10,
both dated December 1, 2006, as applicable, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified
in this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No difference.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Wing Chan, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York
Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7311; fax (516) 794-
5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the
AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in
the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI,
your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-11,
dated August 9, 2007; Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-53, Revision
A, dated March 14, 2007; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-10,
Revision A, dated March 14, 2007; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-33-53, Revision
A, dated March 14, 2007; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-33-10,
Revision A, dated March 14, 2007; as applicable, to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 123 Garratt
Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030,
or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 13, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-3397 Filed 2-27-08; 8:45 am]
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