[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 121 (Friday, June 22, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29059-29061]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13335]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0548; Product Identifier 2017-NM-184-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report of broken P-clamps on the pressure 
relief line and the motive flow line in the left and right fuel tanks, 
and fouling conditions between the motive flow line and the collector 
tank partition wall in both fuel tanks. This proposed AD would require, 
depending on airplane configuration: Increasing the hole size in the 
collector tank partition wall, inspecting the motive flow line for 
damage, and replacing the associated grommet and motive flow line; 
replacing the affected single nut plate brackets and standoffs at the 
affected stations on the motive flow line and pressure relief line; and 
inspecting the motive flow line and vent line at certain wing stations, 
and inspecting the fuel tubes, to verify that an appropriate clearance 
has been maintained between the fuel tubes and their support brackets, 
and applicable corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, 
Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-
4539; email [email protected]; internet http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.

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-2018-
0548; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, 
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations 
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: Joseph Catanzaro, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-
5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0548; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-184-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation 
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF-2017-05R1, dated 
September 20, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Some operators have reported broken P-clamps on the pressure 
relief line and the motive flow line in the left and right fuel 
tanks. Fouling conditions were also reported to exist between the 
motive flow line and the collector tank partition wall in both fuel 
tanks. These issues affect the integrity of the electrical bonding 
paths throughout the fuel lines, which in turn may lead to lightning 
strike induced fuel tank ignition.
    The initial issue of this [Canadian] AD mandated design changes 
that mitigate the risk of lightning strike induced fuel tank 
ignition.
    Since the initial issue of this [Canadian] AD, Transport Canada 
has become aware that Bombardier (BA) Service Bulletin (SB) 84-28-19 
Revision A, dated 4 November 2016, and the initial issue of BA SB 
84-28-19, dated 16 August 2016, do not instruct operators to support 
the motive flow line and vent line at wing stations -371.019 and 
371.019 in the left-hand and right-hand fuel tanks, respectively, 
and do not instruct operators to maintain appropriate clearance 
between the fuel tubes and their support brackets at wing stations -
371.019 and -209.019 in the left-hand fuel tank and wing stations 
371.019 and 209.019 in the right-hand fuel tank. Revision 1 of this 
[Canadian] AD introduces Part III, which requires operators to 
inspect and correct the fuel tube installation on affected 
aeroplanes, as required, to maintain fuel tube support and clearance 
between the fuel tubes and their support brackets. Revision 1 of 
this [Canadian] AD also updates SB references.

    Required actions include, depending on airplane configuration, 
increasing the hole size in the collector tank partition wall, 
inspecting the motive flow line for damage, and replacing the 
associated grommet and motive flow line; replacing the affected single 
nut plate brackets and standoffs at the affected stations on the motive 
flow line and pressure relief line; and inspecting the motive flow line 
and vent line at certain wing stations, and inspecting the fuel tubes, 
to verify that an appropriate clearance has been maintained between the 
fuel tubes and their support brackets, and applicable corrective 
actions. Corrective actions include reworking the replaced parts. You 
may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0548.

[[Page 29060]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 84-28-18, Revision B, dated 
April 20, 2017. This service information describes procedures to 
increase the hole size in the collector tank partition wall, inspect 
the motive flow line for damage, and replace the associated grommet and 
motive flow line.
    Bombardier has also issued Service Bulletin 84-28-19, Revision C, 
dated September 1, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
to replace the affected single nut plate brackets and standoffs at the 
affected stations on the motive flow line and pressure relief line, 
inspect the motive flow line and vent line at certain wing stations, 
and inspect the fuel tubes to verify that an appropriate clearance has 
been maintained between the fuel tubes and their support brackets, and 
applicable corrective actions.
    The 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an 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 affects 52 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost per         Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost           Parts cost          product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections and modifications....  Up to 21 work-hours  Up to $6,152.......          $7,937  Up to $412,724.
                                    x $85 per hour =
                                    $1,785.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2018-0548; Product Identifier 2017-
NM-184-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 6, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model DHC-8-400, -401, and 
-402 airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial numbers 
4001, and 4003 through 4533 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of broken P-clamps on the 
pressure relief line and the motive flow line in the left and right 
fuel tanks, and fouling conditions between the motive flow line and 
the collector tank partition wall in both fuel tanks. We are issuing 
this AD to address fouling or chafing conditions that affect the 
integrity of the electrical bonding paths throughout the fuel lines, 
which could lead to lightning strike induced fuel tank ignition.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

[[Page 29061]]

(g) Modification of Hole Size on Collector Tank Partition Wall for 
Certain Airplanes

    For airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 4001, and 4003 
through 4525 inclusive: Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months, 
whichever occurs first, from the effective date of this AD, increase 
the hole size in the collector tank partition wall, do a detailed 
inspection of the motive flow line for damage, including chafing, 
and replace the associated grommet and motive flow line, as 
applicable, before further flight in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-18, 
Revision B, dated April 20, 2017.

(h) Introduction of Revised P-Clamp Installation at Affected Left and 
Right Wing Stations on the Motive Flow Line and Pressure Relief Line 
for Certain Airplanes

    For airplanes, having S/Ns 4001, and 4003 through 4533 
inclusive, on which Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-19, dated 
August 16, 2016; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-19, Revision 
A, dated November 4, 2016; has not been incorporated: Within 6,000 
flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, from the 
effective date of this AD, replace the affected single nut plate 
brackets and standoffs at the affected left and right wing stations 
on the motive flow line and pressure relief line, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-
28-19, Revision C, dated September 1, 2017. Where Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-28-19, Revision C, dated September 1, 2017, specifies to 
contact Bombardier for appropriate action: Before further flight, 
accomplish corrective actions in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.

(i) Inspection of Motive Flow Line and Vent Line at Wing Stations -
371.019 and 371.019 in the Fuel Tanks, and Inspection of Fuel Tubes

    For airplanes, having S/Ns 4001, and 4003 through 4533 
inclusive, on which Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-19, dated 
August 16, 2016; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-19, Revision 
A, dated November 4, 2016; have been incorporated: Within 6,000 
flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs first, from the 
effective date of this AD, inspect the motive flow line and vent 
line at wing stations -371.019 and 371.019 in the left-hand and 
right-hand fuel tanks, respectively, to ensure that these fuel tubes 
are adequately supported, inspect the fuel tubes to verify that an 
appropriate clearance has been maintained between the fuel tubes and 
their support brackets, and before further flight do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with Section 3.A., Section 
3.B.(13), and Section 3.C. of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-19, 
Revision C, dated September 1, 2017. Where Bombardier Service 
Bulletin 84-28-19, Revision C, dated September 1, 2017, specifies to 
contact Bombardier for appropriate action: Before further flight, 
accomplish corrective actions in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-
18, dated April 20, 2016; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-18, 
Revision A, dated November 14, 2016.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-19 
Revision B, dated July 28, 2017.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Section 3.A., Section 3.B.(13), and 
Section 3.C. of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-28-19, Revision B, 
dated July 28, 2017.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New 
York ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In 
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal 
inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. 
If sending information directly to the manager of the certification 
office, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational 
Safety, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before 
using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO 
Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA); or 
Bombardier, Inc.'s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If 
approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized 
signature.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2017-05R1, dated September 20, 2017, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0548.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph 
Catanzaro, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, New York ACO 
Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt 
Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; 
fax 416-375-4539; email [email protected]; internet 
http://www.bombardier.com. You may view this service information at 
the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 12, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-13335 Filed 6-21-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


