[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 169 (Friday, August 30, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53638-53640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20237]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0459; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-044-AD;
Amendment 39-17569; AD 2013-17-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, &
702) airplanes, Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes,
Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL-
600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of erratic pitch movement and oscillatory behaviors of the
elevator control system. This AD requires repetitive replacement of the
bellcrank supports on the inner rear spar of the horizontal stabilizer
with new, improved bellcrank supports. We are issuing this AD to
prevent erratic pitch movement and transient accelerations, which could
result in a significant pitch upset, and injuries to passengers and
flightcrew.
DATES: This final rule becomes effective October 4, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 4,
2013.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ricardo Garcia, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7331; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 31, 2013 (78 FR
32579). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products.
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation
authority for Canada, has issued Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-
2013-03, dated February 5, 2013 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
There have been several reported incidents of erratic pitch
movements and oscillatory behaviors of the elevator control system.
Investigation revealed that, the increase in the elevator breakout
force induced by the introduction of a new elevator centering
mechanism, in combination with the existing bracket assembly
backlash and bearing friction of the bell crank support, could
result in erratic pitch movement and oscillatory behavior of the
elevator control system. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in pitch upset of the aeroplane that generates transient
accelerations. These accelerations could be high enough to injure
aeroplane occupants that are not restrained in their seats.
This [TCCA] AD mandates the repetitive replacement of the
bellcrank supports with a new bearing.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comment received. The Airline Pilots
Association International supported the NPRM (78 FR 32579, May 31,
2013).
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this final rule as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 400 products of U.S. registry. We
also estimate that it takes about 7 work-hours per product to comply
with the basic requirements of this AD. Required parts would cost up to
$2,422 per product.
[[Page 53639]]
The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be up to $1,206,800,
or up to $3,017 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 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 this AD:
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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the MCAI, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of 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 AD:
2013-17-05 Bombardier, Inc.: Amendment 39-17569; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0459; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-044-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 4,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700,
701, & 702) airplanes, serial numbers 10002 through 10999 inclusive.
(2) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705)
and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, serial numbers
15001 through 15990 inclusive.
(3) Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series
1000) airplanes, serial numbers 19001 through 19990 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of erratic pitch movements and
oscillatory behaviors of the elevator control system. We are issuing
this AD to prevent erratic pitch movement and transient
accelerations, which could result in a significant pitch upset, and
injuries to passengers and flightcrew.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Repetitive Replacement of the Bellcrank Supports
For any airplane with bellcrank supports having part numbers
AV670-23350-001 (left side) and AV670-23350-002 (right side), on the
inner rear spar of the horizontal stabilizer: At the applicable time
specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), or (g)(4) of this AD,
replace the affected bellcrank supports with new bellcrank supports,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 670BA-27-064, dated December 11, 2012. Repeat the
replacement thereafter at intervals not to exceed 20,000 flight
hours.
(1) For airplanes that have, as of the effective date of this
AD, accumulated 18,000 total flight hours or less: Replace before
the accumulation of 24,600 total flight hours.
(2) For airplanes that have, as of the effective date of this
AD, accumulated more than 18,000 total flight hours, but 23,400
total flight hours or less: Replace within 6,600 flight hours after
the effective date of this AD.
(3) For airplanes that have, as of the effective date of this
AD, accumulated more than 23,400 total flight hours, but 28,500
total flight hours or less: Replace before the accumulation of
30,000 total flight hours.
(4) For airplanes that have, as of the effective date of this
AD, accumulated more than 28,500 total flight hours: Within 1,500
flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, 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 ACO, send it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing
Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, New York 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically
reference this AD.
(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.
(i) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2013-03, dated February
5, 2013, for related information, which can be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
(j) 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.
[[Page 53640]]
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA-27-064, dated December 11,
2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval,
Qu[eacute]bec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-
7401; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.bombardier.com.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 9, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20237 Filed 8-29-13; 8:45 am]
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