EFFECTIVE DATE
(a) We must receive comments by May 21, 2008.
AFFECTED ADS
(b) None.
APPLICABILITY
(c) This AD applies to all Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, DHC-8- 103, DHC-8
-106, DHC-201, DHC-8-202, DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, and DHC-8-315 air-
planes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers.
NOTE 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance
documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is
required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously
modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these
inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections
described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR
91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of
compliance according to paragraph (g) of this AD. The request should
include a description of changes to the required inspections that will
ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.
SUBJECT
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
REASON
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
Bombardier Aerospace has completed a system safety review of the aircraft
fuel system against fuel tank standards introduced in Chapter 525 of the
Airworthiness Manual through Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2002-043.
The identified non-compliances were then assessed using Transport Canada
Policy Letter No. 525-001, to determine if mandatory corrective action is
required.
The assessment showed that supplemental maintenance tasks [inspections of
fuel tank bonding jumpers, wiring harnesses, and drain valve components,
among other items and actions; and applicable corrective actions] are
required to prevent potential ignition sources inside the fuel system,
which could result in a fuel tank explosion. Revisions have been made to
Part 2 "Airworthiness Limitations List" of the DHC-8 Maintenance Program
Manuals to introduce the required maintenance tasks.
The corrective action is revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of
the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new
limitations for fuel tank systems.
ACTIONS AND COMPLIANCE
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, or before December
16, 2008, whichever occurs first, revise the Airworthiness Limitations
Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to
incorporate the fuel system limitations tasks identified in the de
Havilland temporary revisions (TRs) to Part 2 "Airworthiness
Limitations List" of the Dash 8 Series Maintenance Program Manuals
("the MPMs"). The TRs are listed in Table 1 of this AD. For the tasks
identified in the TRs, the initial compliance times start at the later
of the applicable "Threshold" and "Grace Period" times specified in
Table 2 of this AD, and the repetitive limitation tasks must be
accomplished thereafter at the interval specified in the TRs to the
MPM, except as provided by paragraphs (f)(2), (f)(3), (f)(4), and
(g)(1) of this AD.
TABLE 1.--TEMPORARY REVISIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
MODEL DE HAVILLAND TR MPM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103, and DHC- AWL-110, dated Dash 8 Series 100
8-106 airplanes. August 31, 2007. MPM, Product Support
Manual (PSM) 1-8-7,
Part 2,
"Airworthiness
Limitations List".
DHC-8-201, and DHC-8-202 AWL 2-43, dated Dash 8 Series 200
airplanes. August 31, 2007. MPM, PSM 1-82-7,
Part 2,
"Airworthiness
Limitations List".
DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, and DHC- AWL 3-109, dated Dash 8 Series 300
8-315 airplanes. August 31, 2007. MPM, PSM 1-83-7,
Part 2,
"Airworthiness
Limitations List".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE 2.--INITIAL INSPECTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLIANCE TIME (WHICHEVER OCCURS LATER)
DESCRIPTION ---------------------------------------------
THRESHOLD GRACE PERIOD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tasks with 6,000 flight Before the Within 2,000 flight
hours/36 month intervals. accumulation of hours or 12 months
6,000 total flight after the effective
hours, or within 36 date of this AD,
months since new, whichever occurs
whichever occurs first.
first.
Tasks with 18,000 flight Before the Within 6,000 flight
hours/108 month intervals. accumulation of hours or 36 months
18,000 total flight after the effective
hours, or within date of this AD,
108 months since whichever occurs
new, whichever first.
occurs first.
Tasks with 72,000 flight Before the Within 600 flight
hours/36 year intervals. accumulation of hours or 3 months
72,000 total flight after the effective
hours, or within 36 date of this AD,
years since new, whichever occurs
whichever occurs first.
first.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 2: The actions required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD may be done by
inserting a copy of the applicable TR listed in Table 1 of this AD into
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the applicable MPM listed in
Table 1 of this AD. When the applicable TR has been included in general
revisions of the applicable MPM, the general revisions may be inserted in
the MPM, provided the relevant information in the general revision is
identical to that in the applicable TR.
(2) For those tasks with 6,000 flight hours/36 month limitation task
intervals: For airplanes that have accumulated 4,000 total flight
hours or more, or 24 months or more since new, as of the effective
date of this AD, do the initial limitation tasks within 2,000 flight
hours or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first. Thereafter, repeat the limitation tasks at intervals not
to exceed 6,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first.
(3) For those tasks with 18,000 flight hours/108 month limitation task
intervals: For airplanes that have accumulated 12,000 total flight
hours or more, or 72 months or more since new, as of the effective
date of this AD, do the initial limitation tasks within 6,000 flight
hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first. Thereafter, repeat the limitation tasks at intervals not
to exceed 18,000 flight hours or 108 months, whichever occurs first.
(4) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1),
(f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD, no alternative inspections/limitation
tasks or inspection/limitation task intervals may be used unless the
inspections/limitation tasks or inspection/limitation task intervals
are part of a later revision of Part 2 "Airworthiness Limitations
List" of the applicable de Havilland Dash 8 Series MPM listed in Table
3 of this AD, that is approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, or the Transport Canada Civil
Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent); or unless
inspections/limitation tasks or inspection/limitation task intervals
are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD.
TABLE 3.--MAINTENANCE PROGRAM MANUALS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
MODEL MPM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103, and DHC- Dash 8 Series 100 MPM, PSM 1-8-7, Part 2,
8-106 airplanes. "Airworthiness Limitations List,"
Revision 17, dated April 19, 2005.
DHC-8-201, and DHC-8-202 Dash 8 Series 200 MPM, PSM 1-82-7, Part
airplanes. 2, "Airworthiness Limitations List,"
Revision 5, dated August 15, 2001.
DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, and DHC- Dash 8 Series 300 MPM, PSM 1-83-7, Part
8-315 airplanes. 2, "Airworthiness Limitations List,"
Revision 16, dated August 15, 2001.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAA AD DIFFERENCES
NOTE 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as
follows: No differences.
OTHER FAA AD PROVISIONS
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York 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:
Rocco Viselli, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch,
ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7331;
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-2007-32, dated
December 17, 2007, and the temporary revisions listed in Table 1 of
this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager,
Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 21, 2008.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0179; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-367-AD] RIN
2120-AA64
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103, DHC-8
-106, DHC-201, DHC-8-202, DHC-8-301, DHC-8-311, and DHC-8-315 Airplanes.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of
comment period.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier NPRM for the products listed above.
This action revises the earlier NPRM by expanding the scope. This proposed
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:
Bombardier Aerospace has completed a system safety review of the aircraft
fuel system against fuel tank safety standards * * *.
[A]ssessment showed that supplemental maintenance tasks [inspections of
fuel tank bonding jumpers, wiring harnesses, and drain valve components,
among other items and actions; and applicable corrective actions] are
required to prevent potential ignition sources inside the fuel system,
which could result in a fuel tank explosion. * * *
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 21, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rocco Viselli, Aerospace Engineer, Air-
frame and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification
Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590;
telephone (516) 228-7331; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
COMMENTS INVITED
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2008-0179; Directorate
Identifier 2007-NM-367-AD" at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD
based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
DISCUSSION
We proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an earlier NPRM for the specified
products, which was published in the Federal Register on February 19, 2008
(73 FR 9055). That earlier NPRM proposed to require actions intended to
address the unsafe condition for the products listed above.
Since that earlier NPRM was issued, we have determined that for certain
airplanes the initial compliance times for doing the tasks specified in
paragraph (f)(1) of the earlier NPRM must be reduced. That earlier NPRM
resulted from Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2007-32, dated December
17, 2007 (referred to after this as "the MCAI").
The MCAI does not provide an initial compliance time for doing the tasks
for certain airplanes. For those airplanes, in the earlier NPRM we
proposed an initial compliance time that started from the effective date
of the AD; or the date of issuance of the original Canadian standard
airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original Canadian
export certificate of airworthiness; whichever occurs later. Although
unstated in the MCAI, we have determined that the intent of the MCAI is
for the initial compliance time to start from the initial delivery date of
the airplane in order to address the identified unsafe condition in a
timely manner. We have also revised the initial compliance times for
clarity by providing a threshold and grace period for each task. We have
revised this supplemental NPRM by adding Table 2 to specify the initial
compliance times for each task. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
FAA'S DETERMINATION AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS PROPOSED AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been
notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the earlier NPRM. As a
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this
proposed AD.
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
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 122 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic requirements
of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators
to be $9,760, or $80 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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
LIST OF SUBJECTS IN 14 CFR PART 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the
FAA proposes to amend 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.
SEC. 39.13 [AMENDED]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: