Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Number 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)
Proposed Rules
Pages 11132-11134
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2016-04539
Page 11132
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2016-4229; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-038-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes. 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 corrosion of the elevator control rod and of the elevator actuating lever on the control column. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 18, 2016.
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.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax: 250-656-0673; telephone: (North America) (800) 663-8444; email: technical.support@vikingair.com; Internet: http://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
4229; 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Safety Engineer, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Steward Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov.
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-2016-4229; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-038-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
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued AD No. CF-2015-21, dated July 30, 2015 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Viking Air Limited Models DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes. The MCAI states:
There have been a number of reports of corrosion and/or cracking at the elevator actuating lever on the control column, in the elevator control rod assemblies, and at the rod end plug.
Undetected corrosion and/or cracking of the elevator control rod assemblies or elevator actuating lever may lead to the failure of the components with consequent loss of aeroplane control.
The MCAI requires visually inspecting the elevator control rod assemblies, the elevator actuating lever on the control column, and the control column torque tube for corrosion, cracking, and/or other damages, and repairing or replacing damaged parts. The MCAI also requires incorporating revisions into the maintenance program and adds a life limit to certain elevator control rod assemblies. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-4229.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Viking Air Limited has issued DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `C', dated July 17, 2015. The service information describes procedures for doing detailed visual inspections of the elevator control rod assemblies, the elevator actuating lever on the control column, and the control column torque tube for corrosion, cracking, and/or other damages. The service bulletin also describes procedures for repairing or replacing damaged parts. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.
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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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 135 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 11.5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic inspection requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the basic inspection requirements of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $131,962.50, or $977.50 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $1,859, for a cost of $2,539 per product. Contact Viking Air Limited at the address identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM for current pricing and lead time. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, 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
0
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The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 Amended
0
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The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Viking Air Limited: Docket No. FAA-2016-4229; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-038-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 18, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Mk. I, DHC-2 Mk. II, and DHC-2 Mk. III airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by 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 corrosion of the elevator control rod and of the elevator actuating lever on the control column. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and/or cracking of the elevator control rod assemblies and the elevator actuating lever, which if not detected and corrected, could cause these components to fail. This failure could result in loss of control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g) through (l) of this AD, including all subparagraphs, unless already done.
(g) Inspections
Within the next 120 days after the effective date of this AD or within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the following inspections in accordance with section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D. of Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/
0005, Revision ``C'', dated July 17, 2015:
(1) For airplanes with an installed elevator control rod assembly, part number (P/N) C2CF619A, do a detailed visual inspection of P/N C2CF619A for corrosion, cracking, and/or other damages.
(2) For airplanes with an installed elevator control rod assembly, P/N CT2CF1021-1, do a detailed visual inspection of P/N CT2CF1021-1 for corrosion, cracking, and/or other damages.
(3) For all airplanes, do a detailed visual inspection of the elevator actuating lever on the control column and the control column torque tube for corrosion, cracking and/or other damages.
(h) Replacement/Repair for P/N C2CF619A
(1) Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if corrosion, cracking, or other damages are found, replace P/N C2CF619A with P/N C2CF619A-11 following section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D. of Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ``C'', dated July 17, 2015, or contact Viking Air Limited at the address specified in paragraph (o) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate the repair.
(2) Within the next 120 days after the effective date of this AD or within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, you may replace P/N C2CF619A with P/N C2CF619A-11 instead of doing the inspection required in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Do the replacement following section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D. of Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ``C'', dated July 17, 2015.
(3) After replacing P/N C2CF619A with P/N C2CF619A-11, you must still do the repetitive inspections of the elevator control rod assemblies following the Airworthiness Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
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(i) Replacement/Repair for P/N CT2CF1021-1
(1) Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if corrosion, cracking, or other damages are found, replace the elevator control rod assembly with P/
N CT2CF1021-1 that has been inspected and is free of corrosion, cracking, or other damages following section I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D. of Viking DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ``C'', dated July 17, 2015, or contact Viking Air Limited at the address specified in paragraph (o) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate the repair.
(2) After replacing or repairing P/N CT2CF1021-1, you must still do the repetitive inspections of the elevator control rod assemblies following the Airworthiness Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual) specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
(j) Repair of the Elevator Actuating Lever
Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, if corrosion, cracking, or other damages are found, contact Viking Air Limited at the address specified in paragraph (o) of this AD for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate the repair.
(k) Airworthiness Limitations/Restrictions
(1) For all airplanes, within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert the following into the Airworthiness Limitations section of the FAA-approved maintenance program (e.g., maintenance manual). This revision to the Limitation section incorporates repetitive inspections of the elevator control rod assemblies, the elevator actuating lever, and the control column torque tube for corrosion, cracks, and/or other damage. Insert item 20A., of Part 3, in Appendix 2 of Temporary Revision No.: 2-38, dated March 4, 2015, into the VIKING PSM NO.: 1-2-2, AIRCRAFT: DHC-2 BEAVER, SERIES: ALL, PUBLICATION: MAINTENANCE MANUAL; and insert item 20A., in Part 4, of Temporary Revision No.: 2T-14, dated March 4, 2015, into VIKING PSM NO.: 1-2T-2, AIRCRAFT: DHC-2 TURBO BEAVER, SERIES: ALL, PUBLICATION: MAINTENANCE MANUAL.
(2) For all airplanes, as of the effective date of this AD, do not install P/N C2CF619A or C2CF619A-9 as a replacement part.
(l) Life Limit for P/N C2CF619A
As of the effective date of this AD, elevator control rod assemblies, P/N C2CF619A, are life-limited to 15 years and must be replaced with P/N C2CF619A-11 at the following compliance time:
(1) If, as of the effective date of this AD, the age of the installed P/N C2CF619A is known, it must be replaced before exceeding the life limit or within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) If, as of the effective date of this AD, the age of the installed P/N C2CF619A is not known, it must be replaced within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(m) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information
Credit will be given for the inspections required in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD if they were done before the effective date of this AD following Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `NC', dated March 26, 2012; Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/
0005, Revision `A', dated November 7, 2014; or Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `B', dated March 4, 2015.
(n) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Safety Engineer, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Steward Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone: (516) 228-7329; fax: (516) 794-5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov. 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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(o) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD No. CF-2015-21, dated July 30, 2015; and Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `NC', dated March 26, 2012; Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `A', dated November 7, 2014; or Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision `B', dated March 4, 2015, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-4229. For service information related to this AD, contact Viking Air Limited Technical Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax: 250-656-0673; telephone: (North America) (800) 663-8444; email: technical.support@vikingair.com; Internet: http://www.vikingair.com/support/service-bulletins. You may review this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 24, 2016.
Robert P. Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2016-04539 Filed 3-2-16; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
