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CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39

Docket ID: [Docket No. FAA-2008-1083; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-130-AD]

RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64

NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES

ACTION: Airworthiness Directives:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 10, 2008.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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:

There have been several cases reported where the landing gear did not retract after takeoff. Subsequent investigation revealed this was caused by fatigue failure of the nose landing gear electrical harness. In conjunction with one engine being inoperable, this could, in certain operating conditions, affect continued safe flight and landing.

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The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

SUMMARY: Bombardier Model DHC 8 400 Series Airplanes,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

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. FAA20081083; Directorate Identifier 2008NM130AD'' 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 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF 200822, dated June 24, 2008 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

There have been several cases reported where the landing gear did not retract after takeoff. Subsequent investigation revealed this was caused by fatigue failure of the nose landing gear electrical harness. In conjunction with one engine being inoperable, this could, in certain operating conditions, affect continued safe flight and landing.

This directive mandates incorporation of new weightonwheels (WOW) and steering harnesses that have a new conduit construction.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 843251, Revision `B,' dated December 17, 2007. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information.

We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 42 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 13 workhours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $43,680, or $1,040 per product.

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;

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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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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 FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39AIRWORTHINESS 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 AD: Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA2008 1083; Directorate Identifier 2008NM130AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by November 10, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC8400, DHC8401, and DHC8402 airplanes, certificated in any category, Serial numbers 4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4184 inclusive.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing Gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
``There have been several cases reported where the landing gear did not retract after takeoff. Subsequent investigation revealed this was caused by fatigue failure of the nose landing gear electrical harness. In conjunction with one engine being inoperable, this could, in certain operating conditions, affect continued safe flight and landing.''
``This directive mandates incorporation of new weightonwheels (WOW) and steering harnesses that have a new conduit construction.'' Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 2,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, replace the WOW and steering harnesses by incorporating Modsum 4126401, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 843251, Revision `B,' dated December 17, 2007.
(2) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 843251, dated August 16, 2007, or Revision `A,' dated August 22, 2007, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE172, 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: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 2287311; fax (516) 794 5531. 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 FAAapproved. Corrective actions are considered FAAapproved 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, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120 0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF200822, dated June 24, 2008, and Bombardier Service Bulletin 843251, Revision `B,' dated December 17, 2007, for related information.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 2, 2008. Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E824161 Filed 10908; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 2287311; fax (516) 7945531.