[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 121 (Friday, June 22, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29059-29061]
[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:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     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<PHONE_NUMBER>; 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<PHONE_NUMBER>) 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<PHONE_NUMBER>; 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.

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

(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<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>. 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<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (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<PHONE_NUMBER>;
fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; 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<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    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