Airworthiness directives: Bombardier,
[Federal Register: May 24, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 100)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 29477-29480]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24my04-16]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-3 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-3 airplanes modified with A. M. Luton's Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number SA3777NM. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the wiring for the heating blankets on P3and PYpneumatic lines and the push-to-test function lights to ensure that they are wired to the correct schematic; replace the circuit breaker switch as applicable; and replace the flight manual supplement currently in use with Revision G, dated March 28, 2001 (incorporates Revision I of Sheet I of Drawing 20075, ``Electrical System Schematic,'' dated October 10, 2000). This proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Canada. We are issuing this proposed AD to detect and correct wiring installed in accordance with an incorrect drawing, which shows the pneumatic heating blankets to the P3and PYpneumatic lines wired in series with the indicator lights, rather than parallel. This can result in reduced current for the heating blankets and loss of pneumatic line heating, which can lead to loss of engine power or reverse propeller overspeed governing protection and ultimately loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by July 15, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed AD:
By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
By fax: (816) 329-3771.
By e-mail: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov. Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD'' in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD from A. M. Luton, 3025 Eldridge Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, Special Certification Branch; telephone: 425-917-6507; facsimile: 425- 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self- addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it. We will date-
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stamp your postcard and mail it back to you.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD? Transport Canada, which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-3 airplanes modified with an A. M. Luton Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number SA3777NM. Transport Canada reports a drawing error on Revisions G and H of Sheet I of the Electrical System Schematic Drawing 20075, which shows the pneumatic heating blankets to the P3 and PYpneumatic lines wired in series with the indicator lights, rather than parallel. This can result in severely reduced electrical energy going to the heating blankets with loss of pneumatic line heating, which can lead to loss of engine power or reverse propeller overspeed governing protection.
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? Electrical installation using incorrect wiring configurations could result in the electrical energy being absorbed by the light bulbs with insufficient electrical energy for the heating blankets, which would allow ice to form in these lines due to condensation even though the indication lights show the lines being heated. This could result in loss of engine power or reverse propeller overspeed governing protection and lead to loss of control of the airplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? A. M. Luton has issued Service Information Letter SIL-00-10-10, Electrical Systems, dated March 22, 2001.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service letter includes procedures for:
--Replacing the flight manual supplement with Revision G, dated March 28, 2001. This flight manual revision corrects the drawing error on Revisions G and H of Sheet I of the Electrical System Schematic Drawing 20075, by incorporating Revision I of Sheet I of Drawing 20075, ``Electrical System Schematic,'' dated October 10, 2000;
--Inspecting the push-to-test indicator light for correct wiring; and
--Replacing the circuit breaker switch for the P3and PYpneumatic heating lines, depending on whether the engine uses one or both heating lines.
What action did Transport Canada take? Transport Canada classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian AD Number CF- 2002-38, dated August 29, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.
Did Transport Canada inform the United States per the bilateral airworthiness agreement? These Bombardier, Inc. DHC-3 airplanes 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.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, Transport Canada has kept us informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? We have examined Transport Canada's findings, 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.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Bombardier, Inc. DHC-3 airplanes of the same type design modified with A. M. Luton's STC number SA3777NM and are registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to detect and correct incorrect wiring configuration. This can result in the electrical energy being absorbed by the light bulbs with insufficient electrical energy for the heating blankets, which would allow ice to form in these lines due to condensation even though the indication lights show the lines being heated. This could result in loss of engine power or reverse propeller overspeed governing protection and lead to loss of control of the airplane.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service information letter.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that this proposed AD affects 32 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/ operators of the affected airplanes? We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need the proposed rewiring or circuit breaker switch replacement. We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed inspection:
Total cost per Total cost on Labor cost
Parts cost
airplane U.S. operators
1 workhour est. $65 per hour = $65...........................
$100
$165
$5,280
Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed AD:
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
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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 summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD'' in your request.
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 Federal Aviation Administration 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 airworthiness directive (AD):
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. 2003-CE-48-AD
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness directive (AD) by July 15, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the Model DHC-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, that are:
(1) Modified with STC number SA3777NM; and
(2) Certificated in any category.
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of a drawing error on Revisions G and H of Sheet I of Drawing 20075, Electrical System Schematic. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and correct wiring installed according to an incorrect drawing, which shows the pneumatic heating blankets to the P3and PY pneumatic lines wired in series with the indicator lights, rather than parallel. This can result in insufficient electrical energy for the heating blankets and loss of pneumatic heating, which can lead to loss of engine power or reverse propeller overspeed governing protection and ultimately loss of control of the airplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
Action
Compliance
Procedures
(1) Inspect the electrical
Inspect within 4 Follow the wiring to the P3 and PY engine months after the procedures in the pneumatic line heating blankets effective date of A.M. Luton and the P3 heater warning light this AD or 300 Service to determine if they are wired hours time in Information in a parallel configuration. If service (TIS) Letter SIL-00-10- they are not wired in a
after the
10, revision parallel configuration, they effective date of dated, March 22, must be rewired.
this AD,
2001. whichever occurs first. Rewire prior to further flight after the inspection.
(2) Replace Flight Manual
Replace within 4 Follow the Supplement currently in use months after the procedures in the with Revision G, dated March effective date of A.M. Luton 28, 2001. This flight manual this AD or 300 Service revision corrects the drawing hours TIS after Information error on Revisions G and H of the effective Letter SIL-00-10- Sheet I of the Electrical
date of this AD, 10, revision System Schematic Drawing 20075 whichever occurs dated, March 22, by incorporating Revision I of first.
2001. Sheet I of Drawing 20075, ``Electrical System Schematic,'' dated October 10, 2000. (i) The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may accomplish the flight manual replacement requirement of this AD. (ii) Make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this portion of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
(3) Inspect circuit breaker Inspect within 4 Follow the switch for heated engine
months after the procedures in the pneumatic lines circuit. If an effective date of A.M. Luton engine is installed that uses this AD or 300 Service both P3 and PY heated pneumatic hours TIS after Information lines, circuit breaker switch, the effective Letter SIL-00-10- Part Number (P/N) 20075-3 (5 date of this AD, 10, revision amp), must be replaced with whichever occurs dated, March 22, circuit breaker switch P/N
first. Replace 2001. 20075-59 (7.5 amp).
prior to further flight after the inspection.
May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments and will send your request to the Manager, Special Certifications Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Richard Simonson, Aerospace Engineer, Special Certifications Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW. Renton, WA 98055; telephone: 425-917-6507; facsimile: 816-917-6590.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from A.M. Luton, 3025 Eldridge Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
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Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(h) Airworthiness Directive CF-2002-38, dated August 29, 2002, and Service Information Letter SIL-00-10-10, revision dated March 22, 2001, also pertain to the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on May 18, 2004. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11644 Filed 5-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
