Airworthiness directives: de Havilland,

[Federal Register: April 12, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 70)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 19132-19135]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr12ap04-15]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-CE-02-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; deHavilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II Airplanes and Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) 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 all deHavilland Inc. Models DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes and for all Bombardier Inc. Model (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by radial engines. This proposed AD would require you to visually inspect the firewall ignition plugs and receptacles for proper lockwire security and replace or modify as appropriate. 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 prevent loss of ignition systems during flight caused by improper lockwire security, which could result in engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 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. 2004-CE-02-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. 2004-CE-02-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 Bombardier Aerospace Regional

[[Page 19133]]

Aircraft, Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3K 1Y5; facsimile: (416) 375-4538.

You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-02-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: Sarbhpreet Singh Sawhney, Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7340; facsimile: (516) 794-5531.

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. 2004-CE-02-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-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 deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes and all Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by radial engines. Transport Canada reports that a DHC-3 airplane lost both ignition systems during flight.

The lockwire hole in the ignition connector plug on the firewall broke and the plug vibrated loose. Both magnetos then grounded through a spring-loaded center pin in the plug (a maintenance safety feature).

The DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes have a similar ignition system.

What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? If not detected and corrected, failure of the lockwire hole could result in engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the airplane.

Is there service information that applies to this subject? Bombardier has issued deHavilland Beaver Alert Service Bulletin Number A2/53, Revision A, dated August 30, 2001; and deHavilland Otter Alert Service Bulletin Number A3/53, Revision A, dated August 30, 2001.

What are the provisions of this service information? These service bulletins include procedures for:

Inspecting the ignition plugs and receptacles on the fore and aft side of the firewall for security; Replacing any plugs or receptacles with damaged lockwire holes; and Replacing any damaged lockwire.

What action did Transport Canada take? Transport Canada classified these service bulletin as mandatory and issued Canadian AD Number CF- 2001-36, dated October 31, 2001, and Canadian AD Number CF-2001-37, dated October 31, 2001, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.

Did Transport Canada inform the United States under the bilateral airworthiness agreement? These deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes, and Bombardier (Otter) 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 deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I and DHC-2 Mk. II airplanes, and Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3 airplanes powered by radial engines of the same type design that are registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to prevent loss of ignition systems during flight caused by improper lockwire security, which could result in engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the airplane.

What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service bulletin.

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 242 airplanes in the U.S. registry.

What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/ operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed inspection:

Total cost per Labor cost

Parts cost

airplane

Total cost on U.S. operators

2 workhours x $65 per hour = $130.. Not applicable........

$130 $130 x 242 = $31,460.

We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary replacements that would be required based on the results of this proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need these replacements:

[[Page 19134]]

Labor cost

Parts cost

Total cost per replacement part

2 workhours x $65 per hour = $130...... Connector plug and firewall $130 + $152 = $282. receptacle = $152 each. Lockwire = minimal cost.

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

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. 2004-CE-02-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):

   deHavilland Inc. and Bombardier Inc.: Docket No. 2004-CE-02-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 May 7, 2004.

   What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

   (b) None.

   What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

   (c) This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:

   Model

   Serial numbers

   deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. I................... All. deHavilland DHC-2 Mk. II.................. All. Bombardier (Otter) DHC-3.................. All serial numbers powered by radial engines.

   What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

   (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Canada. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of ignition systems during flight caused by improper lockwire security, which could result in engine failure. This failure could lead to a forced landing of the airplane.

   What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

   (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

   Actions

   Compliance

   Procedures

   (1) Inspect the following:.. Initially inspect Follow deHavilland (i) ignition plugs and

   within the next 100 Beaver Alert receptacles on the fore and hours time-in-

   Service Bulletin aft side of the firewall service (TIS) after Number A2/53, for security;.

   the effective date Revision A, dated (ii) ignition plug lockwire of this AD.

   August 30, 2001; to ensure it is intact and Repetitively

   and deHavilland the holes in the plugs and inspect thereafter Otter Alert Service in the receptacles are not at intervals not to Bulletin Number A3/ broken out or cracked.. exceed 100 hours 53, Revision A, TIS.

   dated August 30, 2001, as applicable.

   (2) If during any inspection Prior to further Follow deHavilland required in paragraph

   flight after any Beaver Alert (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii) of inspection required Service Bulletin this AD:

   by paragraphs

   Number A2/53, (i) the lockwire holes are (e)(1)(i) and

   Revision A, dated found damaged, replace plug (e)(1)(ii) of this August 30, 2001; and/or receptacle with the AD.

   and deHavilland parts of the same part

   Otter Alert Service numbers; and.

   Bulletin Number A3/ (ii) the lockwire is

   53, Revision A, damaged, replace the

   dated August 30, lockwire..

   2001, as applicable.

   (3) When the plugs or

   Prior to further Follow the receptacles are replaced, flight after any applicable do an operational check of replacement

   maintenance manual the magnetos and correct as required by

   procedures. appropriate.

   paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this AD.

   Note: We recommend you insert de Havilland Inc. Temporary Revision No. 2-24, dated August 24, 2001, and Temporary Revision No. 14, dated August 24, 2001, into the applicable maintenance manual.

   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, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Sarbhpreet Singh Sawhney, Aerospace Engineer, New York ACO, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7340; facsimile: (516) 794-5531.

   May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

   (g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from Bombardier Aerospace Regional Aircraft, Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario, Canada

   [[Page 19135]]

   M3K 1Y5; facsimile: (416) 375-4538. You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

   Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

   (h) Canadian AD Number CF-2001-36, dated October 31, 2001, and Canadian AD Number CF-2001-37, dated October 31, 2001, also address the subject of this AD.

   Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 5, 2004. Dorenda D. Baker, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 04-8221 Filed 4-9-04; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-P