Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to determine the serial numbers of the elevator and aileron servos of the drive assemblies of the automatic flight control system, and follow-on corrective actions if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent separation of the screws from the autopilot clutch assembly of the SM-300 servo, which could result in uncommanded engagement of the autopilot servo and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective March 17, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 17, 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ezra Sasson, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE-172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, New York 11581; telephone (516) 228-7300; fax (516) 794-5531.

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-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 11, 2003 (68 FR 69057). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection to determine the serial numbers of the elevator and aileron servos of the drive assemblies of the automatic flight control system, 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 200 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $13,000, or $65 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

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

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

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

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

2004-03-28 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 39-13472. Docket 2002-NM-79-AD.

Applicability: Model DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 airplanes; serial numbers 003 through 580 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent separation of the screws in the autopilot clutch assembly of the SM-300 servo, which could result in uncommanded engagement of the autopilot servo and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

One-Time Inspection/Follow-on Corrective Action, if Necessary

(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection to determine the serial numbers of the elevator and aileron servo drive assemblies of the automatic flight control system per paragraphs III.1. and III.2. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-22-18, Revision ‘B’, dated November 19, 2001.

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.”

(1) If any elevator or aileron servo, part number (P/N) 7002260-922, or any aileron servo, P/N 7002260-923, with serial numbers 4826 through 5935 inclusive, is found: Before further flight, do all the follow-on actions per paragraphs III.3. and III.4. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-22-18, Revision “B”, dated November 19, 2001; and per paragraphs 3.A. through 3.F. of the Honeywell Accomplishment Instructions specified on pages 14 through 17 of the Bombardier service bulletin.

(2) If no serial number specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.

Part Installation

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an elevator or aileron servo, P/N 7002260-922, or an aileron servo, P/N 7002260-923, with serial numbers 4826 through 5935 inclusive, on any airplane.

Note 2:

Although Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-22-18, Revision “B”, dated November 19, 2001, specifies accomplishment of concurrent requirements, this AD does not include those requirements.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) 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

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-22-18, Revision ‘B’, dated November 19, 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 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, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, 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-2001-40, dated November 9, 2001.

Effective Date

(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 17, 2004.