[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 134 (Thursday, July 12, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32215-32218]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14804]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0634; Product Identifier 2018-NM-050-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 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 proposed
AD was prompted by reports of a fractured main landing gear (MLG)
orifice support tube (OST). This proposed AD would require replacing
the MLG OST, and revising the maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive maintenance
requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 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
[[Page 32216]]
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact
Bombardier, Inc., 400 C[ocirc]te-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Qu[eacute]bec
H4S 1Y9, Canada; Widebody Customer Response Center North America toll-
free telephone 866-538-1247 or direct-dial telephone 514-855-2999; fax
514-855-7401; 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-
0634; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7329;
fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].
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-2018-0634;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-050-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 because
of 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-2018-02, dated January
16, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition 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.
The MCAI states:
Five cases of fractured Main Landing Gear (MLG) Orifice Support
Tube (OST) have been reported. Subsequent analysis determined that
the MLG OST is unable to withstand the loads generated during a hard
landing event. A MLG OST fracture cannot be detected during routine
maintenance and if not corrected, a fractured MLG OST can lead to
aeroplane structural damage and/or collapse of the MLG.
This [Canadian] AD mandates the replacement of the existing MLG
OSTs with a re-designed part, and the implementation of a new
airworthiness limitation task.
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-
0634.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin SB 670BA-32-058, dated
September 26, 2016. The service information describes procedures for
replacing each MLG OST.
Bombardier has also issued Temporary Revision ALI-0593, dated
December 18, 2017. The service information describes new life limits
for the MLG OSTs.
These service information are 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
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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with
these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have
been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed
by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the
actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with
14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative
method of compliance according to paragraph (i) of this proposed AD.
The request should include a description of changes to the required
actions that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected
structure.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require replacing the MLG OST and revising
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate
new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness
limitations.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 542 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
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Replacement (left- and right-hand 24 work-hours x $85 per * $0 $2,040 $1,105,680
sides). hour = $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the parts cost in this
AD.
We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the
past, we have estimated
[[Page 32217]]
that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators
incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their
affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-operator estimate is
more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the
total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-
hour).
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-2018-0634; Product Identifier 2018-
NM-050-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 27, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Bombardier, Inc., airplanes specified in
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in
any category.
(1) Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702)
airplanes, serial numbers 10003 through 10345 inclusive.
(2) Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes and
Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, serial
numbers 15001 through 15429 inclusive.
(3) Model CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes,
serial numbers 19001 through 19052 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Main landing
gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of a fractured main landing gear
(MLG) orifice support tube (OST). We are issuing this AD to address
a fractured MLG OST, which can lead to structural damage to the
airplane and collapse of the MLG.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Replacement
Within the compliance times specified in figure 1 to paragraph
(g) of this AD: Replace each MLG OST, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin SB 670BA-
32-058, dated September 26, 2016.
[[Page 32218]]
TP12JY18.018
(h) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate
Bombardier Temporary Revision ALI-0593, dated December 18, 2017. The
initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions is at the
applicable time specified in Bombardier Temporary Revision ALI-0593,
dated December 18, 2017; or within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD; whichever occurs later.
(i) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of
this AD.
(j) 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-02, dated January 16, 2018, 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-2018-0634.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Aziz Ahmed,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Section, FAA,
New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone 516-228-7329; fax 516-794-5531; email [email protected].
(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; Widebody Customer Response Center
North America toll-free telephone 866-538-1247 or direct-dial
telephone 514-855-2999; fax 514-855-7401; 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 July 3, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14804 Filed 7-11-18; 8:45 am]
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