[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 110 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34772-34775]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12184]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0284; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01369-A; 
Amendment 39-22062; AD 2022-11-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by 
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-
6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes. 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 identifies the unsafe 
condition as binding of the rod end bearing connecting the lower fuel 
control unit (FCU) push rod assembly to the FCU power lever. This AD 
requires performing tests, inspections, and lubrication of the FCU push 
rod assemblies, and replacing them with improved parts as necessary. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 13, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 13, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British 
Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.vikingair.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,

[[Page 34773]]

Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0284.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0284; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The address for 
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Dowling, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, 
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7300; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered 
Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and 
DHC-6-400 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
March 22, 2022 (87 FR 16123). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated 
by Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada. 
Transport Canada has issued AD CF-2021-42, dated November 26, 2021 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition on Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, 
DHC-6 series 110, DHC-6 series 200, DHC-6 series 210, DHC-6 series 300, 
DHC-6 series 310, DHC-6 series 320, and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes with 
certain part-numbered FCU push rod assemblies installed. The MCAI 
states:

    There have been in-service reports of binding of [part number] 
P/N VSC30-3A rod end bearings used in the linkage for the lower FCU 
push rod assembly P/N C6CE1398-7. The lower FCU push rod assembly is 
connected to the FCU power lever and contains a rod end bearing at 
each end. P/N VSC30-3A rod end bearings, fabricated with a metal 
inner race and a dry film lubricant, have been incorporated on FCU 
push rod assemblies introduced through Viking Air Ltd (Viking) MOD 
6/2347. P/N VSC30-3A rod end bearings may have also been installed 
in-service as a replacement part in lower FCU push rod assembly P/N 
C6CE1398-3. In one instance, binding of the lower FCU push rod 
bearing resulted in one engine failing to return to a lower power 
setting from a higher power setting when commanded, which 
subsequently resulted in the need to perform an in-flight engine 
shutdown during final approach. An investigation also revealed that 
binding of P/N VSC30-3A rod end bearings can occur after a period of 
non-utilization of the aeroplane.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to the 
inability to reduce power on the affected engine, resulting in the 
need to perform an in-flight engine shutdown, and consequently 
leading to reduced control of the aeroplane and increased pilot 
workload during this critical phase of flight.
    To address this unsafe condition, this [Transport Canada] AD 
mandates initial and repetitive functional checks, special detailed 
inspection (SDI) and lubrication of the affected FCU push rod 
assembly, and its replacement, as required, with a redesigned FCU 
push rod assembly with improved reliability (MOD 6/2484), in 
accordance with Viking Service Bulletin (SB) V6/0063. This 
[Transport Canada] AD also prohibits the installation of an affected 
FCU push rod assembly as a replacement part on applicable 
aeroplanes.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0284.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require performing tests, 
inspections, and lubrication of the FCU push rod assemblies, and 
replacing them with improved parts as necessary. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received one comment from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA). ALPA supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and is approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design 
Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in 
the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the 
relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is 
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed the following:
     Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin (SB) No. V6/0063, 
Revision A, dated February 1, 2021, which specifies procedures for 
performing tests, inspections, and lubrication of the FCU push rod 
assemblies; and
     Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Technical Bulletin No. V6/00155, 
Revision NC, dated September 14, 2020, which specifies procedures for 
replacing the FCU push rod assemblies with improved 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter SB No. V6/0063, 
Revision NC, dated June 7, 2019, which specifies procedures for 
performing tests, inspections, and lubrication of the FCU push rod 
assemblies. Viking revised this service information and issued Viking 
SB V6/0063, Revision A, to extend the lubrication requirement of Mod 6/
2347 rod ends to all operating environments, add repeat inspections, 
and introduce a test and lubrication for airplanes that have not been 
in operation after a period of time before re-entry into service.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI applies to Viking Air Limited Model DHC-6 series 110, DHC-
6 series 210, DHC-6 series 310, and DHC-6 series 320, and this AD would 
not because these models do not have an FAA type certificate. Model 
DHC-6 series 1, DHC-6 series 100, DHC-6 series 200, DHC-6 series 300, 
and DHC-6 series 400 airplanes specified in the MCAI correspond to 
Model DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes 
specified in this AD, respectively.
    The MCAI requires reporting information to the manufacturer, and 
this AD does not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 34 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 34774]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost           Parts cost        Cost per airplane      operators
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Test, inspect, and lubricate     1 work-hour x $85  Not Applicable........  $85 per            $2,890 per
 the FCU push rod assemblies.     per hour = $85.                            inspection cycle.  inspection
                                                                                                cycle.
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    The FAA estimates the following costs to replace the FCU push rod 
assemblies. The agency has no way of determining the number of 
airplanes that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost       airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace both FCU push rod assemblies..........  3 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $60            $315
                                                 $255.
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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.
    The FAA is 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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in

14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:

2022-11-12 Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 39-22062; Docket 
No. FAA-2022-0284; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01369-A.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 13, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate 
Previously Held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model 
DHC-6-1, DHC-6-100, DHC-6-200, DHC-6-300, and DHC-6-400 airplanes, 
serial numbers 001 through 989, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7600, Engine 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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 identifies the unsafe condition as binding of the 
rod end bearing connecting the lower fuel control unit (FCU) push 
rod assembly to the FCU power lever. The unsafe condition, if not 
addressed, could lead to the inability to reduce power on the 
affected engine, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown 
and reduced airplane control.

(f) Definitions

    (1) For purposes of this AD, an ``affected FCU pushrod 
assembly'' is one of the following:
    (i) Lower FCU push rod assembly part number (P/N) C6CE1398-7; or
    (ii) Lower FCU push rod assembly P/N C6CE1398-3 with P/N VSC30-
3A rod end bearing installed.
    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1): P/N C6CE1398-7 may also be referred 
to as modification (MOD) 6/2347.
    (2) For purposes of this AD, a ``serviceable FCU push rod 
assembly'' is lower FCU push rod assembly P/N C6CE1398-9.
    Note 2 to paragraph (f)(2): P/N C6CE1398-9 may also be referred 
to as MOD 6/2484.

(g) Compliance

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

(h) Required Actions

    (1) Within 125 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD or within 30 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, test each affected FCU push rod assembly 
for binding and restriction in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs A.1. through A.3., in Viking DHC-6 Twin 
Otter Service Bulletin No. V6/0063, Revision A, dated February 1, 
2021 (Viking SB V6/0063, Revision A).
    (i) If there is any binding or restriction, before further 
flight, remove both affected FCU push rod assemblies from service 
and install serviceable FCU push rod assemblies

[[Page 34775]]

in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph A.4., 
in Viking SB V6/0063, Revision A, and the Accomplishment 
Instructions, Sections A through C, in Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter 
Technical Bulletin No. V6/00155, Revision NC, dated September 14, 
2020 (Viking TB V6/00155, Revision NC).
    (ii) If there is no binding and no restriction, before further 
flight, remove each affected FCU push rod assembly, clean the push 
rod ends, and inspect each affected FCU push rod assembly for 
corrosion and condition of the lubricant. Pay particular attention 
to the bearing ball and race.
    (A) If there is no corrosion and the lubricant color and texture 
is normal, before further flight, lubricate each affected FCU push 
rod assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
Section C, in Viking SB V6/0063, Revision A.
    (B) If there is corrosion or if the lubricant is abnormal in 
color (too dark) or texture (too sticky), before further flight, 
remove both affected FCU push rod assemblies from service and 
install serviceable FCU push rod assemblies in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph A.4, in Viking SB V6/0063, 
Revision A, and the Accomplishment Instructions, Sections A through 
C, in Viking TB V6/00155, Revision NC.
    (2) Repeat the requirements of this AD as follows until both 
affected FCU push rod assemblies are replaced.
    (i) Test and lubrication: At intervals not to exceed 125 hours 
TIS or before further flight anytime the airplane has not been 
operated for a period of 30 days, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Inspection: At intervals not to exceed 1,500 hours TIS.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an 
affected FCU push rod assembly on any airplane.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the test, inspection, replacement, and 
lubrication required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this AD if you 
performed those actions before the effective date of this AD using 
Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin No. V6/0063, Revision NC, 
dated June 7, 2019.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) 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 the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
    (2) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Elizabeth 
Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-
7300; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to Transport Canada AD CF-2021-42, dated November 26, 
2021, for more information. You may examine the Transport Canada AD 
in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating it in Docket No. FAA-2022-0284.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Service Bulletin No. V6/0063, 
Revision A, dated February 1, 2021.
    (ii) Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter Technical Bulletin No. V6/00155, 
Revision NC, dated September 14, 2020.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia, 
Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.vikingair.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on May 24, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12184 Filed 6-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


