DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0444; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-024-AD] RIN
2120-AA64
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES; Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk.
II, and DHC-3 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportat-
ion (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. 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:
A complete loss of both ignition systems occurred on a DHC-3 Otter when
the lock wire hole in the ignition connector plug on the firewall broke
out, allowing the plug to vibrate loose. A maintenance safety feature
grounds out both magneto systems through a spring-loaded safety pin
incorporated into the Cannon plug. The DHC-2 system is similar in design.
Subsequent to the issuance of AD CF-2001-36 a complete loss of both
ignition systems occurred on a DHC-2 Beaver resulting in engine failure
and subsequent forced approach and landing. Investigation by the
Transportation Safety Board determined the internal failure of the magneto
firewall connector resulted in both magneto "P" leads shorting to ground.
A maintenance "safety" feature through a spring-loaded safety pin
incorporated in the firewall connector on many DHC-2 aircraft grounds out
both magneto systems when the connector is disconnected. This connector
type is readily identified when disconnected by the existence of three
internal pins on the firewall and magneto harness side, one of which is
shorted directly to ground.
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 19, 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 W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, 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 Management Facility
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 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: Fabio Buttitta, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7303; 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-2008-0444; Directorate
Identifier 2008-CE-024-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
because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
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
On October 12, 2004, we issued AD 2004-21-06, Amendment 39-13827 (69 FR
61758, October 21, 2004). That AD required actions intended to address an
unsafe condition on the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 2004-21-06, the manufacturer has developed a
modification kit to replace the magneto firewall connector with parts of
improved design.
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued
AD No. CF-2001-36R1, dated January 21, 2008, and AD No. CF-2001-37R, dated
January 21, 2008 (referred to after this as "the MCAI"), to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
A complete loss of both ignition systems occurred on a DHC-3 Otter when
the lock wire hole in the ignition connector plug on the firewall broke
out, allowing the plug to vibrate loose. A maintenance safety feature
grounds out both magneto systems through a spring-loaded safety pin
incorporated into the Cannon plug. The DHC-2 system is similar in design.
Subsequent to the issuance of AD CF-2001-36 a complete loss of both
ignition systems occurred on a DHC-2 Beaver resulting in engine failure
and subsequent forced approach and landing. Investigation by the
Transportation Safety Board determined the internal failure of the magneto
firewall connector resulted in both magneto "P" leads shorting to ground.
A maintenance "safety" feature through a spring-loaded safety pin
incorporated in the firewall connector on many DHC-2 aircraft ground out
both magneto systems when the connector is disconnected. This connector
type is readily identified when disconnected by the existence of three
internal pins on the firewall and magneto harness side, one of which is
shorted directly to ground.
These connectors are no longer in production.
Since no effective Instructions for Continued Airworthiness exist to
ensure the safety feature of these connectors will operate correctly when
disconnected, or will ensure the internal integrity of the connector while
in service, this directive is revised to mandate replacement of connectors
with a different design.
Viking Air Limited has developed SB V2/0001 to provide for the
installation of a replacement connector, similar in design to magneto
systems in service today. This modification incorporates a "straight
through" type connector, ensuring magneto circuit integrity should the
connection open.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
RELEVANT SERVICE INFORMATION
Viking Air Limited has issued the following service bulletins:
Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number V2/0001, dated June 27, 2007;
and
Viking DHC-3 Otter Service Bulletin Number V3/0001, dated June 27, 2007.
The actions described in this service information are intended to correct
the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA'S DETERMINATION AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 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 this State of Design Authority, they have
notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and
is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIS PROPOSED 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 proposed different actions in this AD from those in the
MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted
in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
COSTS OF COMPLIANCE
We estimated that this proposed AD will affect 159 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 10 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about
$881 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be $267,279, or $1,681 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 removing Amendment 39-13827 (69 FR 61758;
October 21, 2004), and adding the following new AD: