[Federal Register: December 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 243)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70434-70435]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18de03-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-78-AD; Amendment 39-13386; AD 2003-25-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -
402 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the forward engine
mount assemblies on the left and right engine nacelles for installation
of pre-production engine mount assemblies, and follow-on corrective
actions if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent failure of
the forward engine mount, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the nacelle and engine support structure. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective January 22, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 22, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division,
123 Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. This
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification
Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas G. Wagner, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New
York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7506; fax (516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-
400, -401, and -402 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
October 9, 2003 (68 FR 58287). That action proposed to require a one-
time inspection of the forward engine mount assemblies on the left and
right engine nacelles for installation of pre-production engine mount
assemblies, and follow-on corrective actions if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 11 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to
accomplish the required inspection, and that the average labor rate is
$65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,430, or $130 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2003-25-03 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment
39-13386. Docket 2002-NM-78-AD.
Applicability: Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes; serial
numbers 4005, 4006, 4008 through 4016 inclusive, 4018 through 4051
inclusive, and 4053; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the forward engine mount, which could
result in reduced structural integrity of the nacelle and engine
support structure, accomplish the following:
[[Page 70435]]
Inspection
(a) Within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD: Do a general visual inspection of the forward engine mount
assemblies on the left and right engine nacelles for installation of
pre-production assemblies (determine the part number and
configuration for each assembly), per the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-71-06,
Revision ``A,'' dated December 5, 2001. If no pre-production engine
mount assembly is installed, no further action is required by this
AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Follow-on Corrective Actions
(b) If any pre-production engine mount assembly is installed, do
all the applicable follow-on corrective actions (including
repetitive detailed inspections for cracking, and rework or
replacement of the pre-production engine mount assembly if
necessary), per all the actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-71-06,
Revision ``A,'' dated December 5, 2001, at the applicable times
specified in Paragraph I., Part D., ``Compliance,'' of the service
bulletin. Any replacement due to cracking must be done before
further flight.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Optional Terminating Action for Follow-on Repetitive Inspections
(c) Installation of production engine mount assemblies on all
four forward engine mounts ends the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.
Part Installation
(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an engine mount assembly having a pre-production configuration and/
or part number 96042-07 on any airplane, unless the assembly has
been reworked per Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-71-06, Revision ``A,'' dated
December 5, 2001.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(f) Unless otherwise provided in this AD, the actions shall be
done per Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-71-06, Revision
``A,'' dated December 5, 2001. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 123 Garratt
Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream,
New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-2002-07, dated January 21, 2002.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on January 22, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31062 Filed 12-17-03; 8:45 am]
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