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AD Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Federal Register Information

[Federal Register: October 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 196)]
[Page 58287-58289]

Header Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-78-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 Airplanes

Preamble Information
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401,
and -402 airplanes. This proposal would 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. 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: Comments must be received by November 10, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2002-NM-78-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 a.m. and 3
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be
submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. Comments may also be sent via the Internet
using the following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via

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fax or the Internet must contain "Docket No. 2002-NM-78-AD" in the subject line
and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as
attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or ASCII
text.

The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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
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.
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:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in
triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or
before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before
taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be
changed in light of the comments received.

Submit comments using the following format:

Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change
the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two
separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed AD is being
requested.
Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted
will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each
FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in
the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket
Number 2002-NM-78-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the

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commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-
78-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

Discussion

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness authority for
Canada, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain
Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. TCCA advises that the
manufacturer of the forward engine mount assembly has indicated that an
unapproved pre-production engine mount assembly was found installed in place
of a production engine mount assembly. Pre-production engine mount assemblies
are more susceptible to fatigue cracking than production engine mount
assemblies. In addition, there is a possibility that pre-production assemblies
having part number (P/N) 96042-07 are incorrectly marked with P/N 96042-09,
which is the P/N on the production assemblies. Operation with pre-production
engine mount assemblies could result in failure of the forward engine mount, and
consequent reduced structural integrity of the nacelle and engine support
structure.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Bombardier has issued Alert Service Bulletin A84-71-06, Revision "A," dated
December 5, 2001, which describes procedures for a visual inspection to
determine the P/N and configuration of the forward engine mount assemblies on
the left and right engine nacelles. If the inspection shows that any pre-production
engine mount assembly is installed, the service bulletin describes procedures for
follow-on corrective actions for that assembly. Those actions include repetitive
detailed visual inspections of each assembly for cracking at intervals of 250 flight
cycles, and replacement of the pre-production engine mount assembly with a
production engine mount assembly before further flight if cracking is found. If no
cracking is found, the service bulletin specifies that the pre-production engine
mount assembly may remain in service for up to 1,000 flight cycles after the initial
inspection, and then reworked or replaced with a production engine mount
assembly. If both engine mounts on the same nacelle have the pre-production
configuration, the service bulletin specifies that one pre-production engine mount
assembly must be replaced with a production engine mount assembly before
further flight. The service bulletin also includes a repair letter issued by the engine
manufacturer which contains rework procedures for the pre-production engine
mount assembly. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

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TCCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian

airworthiness directive CF-2002-07, dated January 21, 2002, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.

FAA's Conclusions

These airplane models are manufactured in Canada and are type certificated for
operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness
agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, TCCA has kept us
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the findings of
TCCA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the
United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on
other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in the service
bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between Canadian Airworthiness Directive, Service Bulletin,

and Proposed Rule

The service bulletin and Canadian airworthiness directive specify a visual

inspection to determine the P/N and configuration of the forward engine mount
assemblies, but this proposed rule would require a general visual inspection. A
note has been added to the proposed rule to define that inspection.

The service bulletin and Canadian airworthiness directive also specify a detailed
visual inspection for cracking if a pre-production engine mount is installed, but this
proposed rule would require a detailed inspection. A note has been added to the
proposed rule to define that inspection.

Cost Impact

We estimate that 11 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed

AD, that it would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the
proposed inspection, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 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 proposed requirements of this AD action, and
that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not

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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 proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed regulation (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) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it
may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under
the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Regulatory Information
The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the

Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39-AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

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Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): 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:

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 the
service bulletin, 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

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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.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive

CF-2002-07, dated January 21, 2002.

Footer Information

Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2003.

Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25588 Filed 10-8-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Comments

Not Applicable

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