[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 36 (Friday, February 22, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5609-5611]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02937]



[[Page 5609]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0019; Product Identifier 2018-NM-130-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 BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of low clearance between the 
variable frequency generator (VFG) power feeder cables and adjacent 
hydraulic lines and/or fuel lines in the aft equipment bay, which could 
cause chafing damage. This proposed AD would require modifying the 
routing of the VFG power feeder cables and harnesses in the aft 
equipment bay. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 8, 2019.

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 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; telephone: 514-855-5000; 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-2019-
0019; 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: Steven Dzierzynski, Aerospace 
Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems Services Section, FAA, New 
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 
telephone 516-228-7367; 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-2019-0019; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-130-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-2018-22, dated August 
2, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing 
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-
1A11 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several aircraft have been discovered with low clearance between 
the Variable Frequency Generator (VFG) cables and hydraulic/fuel 
lines in the Aft Equipment Bay which may lead to chafing between the 
VFG cables and the hydraulic/fuel lines. Chafing may result in 
damage that could lead to a hydraulic/fuel leak and electrical 
arcing as an ignition source. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in an in-flight fire.
    This [Canadian] AD mandates a modification to the routing of the 
VFG power feeder cables and harnesses, to ensure the required 
clearance between the VFG cables and hydraulic/fuel lines in the Aft 
Equipment Bay.

    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-2019-
0019.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Bombardier has issued the following service information for 
Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 airplanes.
     Service Bulletin 700-24-089, Revision 01, dated August 21, 
2018.
     Service Bulletin 700-24-6014, Revision 01, dated August 
21, 2018.
    Bombardier has issued the following service information for 
Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A11 airplanes.
     Service Bulletin 700-1A11-24-028, Revision 01, dated 
August 21, 2018.
     Service Bulletin 700-24-5014, Revision 01, dated August 
21, 2018.
    This service information describes procedures for modifying the 
routing of the VFG power feeder cables and harnesses in the aft 
equipment bay to ensure the required clearance between the cables and 
the hydraulic lines and/or fuel lines. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models and configurations.
    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.

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.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 112 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We

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estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                          Labor cost                              Parts cost        product         operators
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Up to 5 work[dash]hours x $85 per hour = Up to $425..........      Up to $606     Up to $1,031   Up to $115,472.
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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 and associated appliances 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-2019-0019; Product Identifier 2018-
NM-130-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 8, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-
700-1A11 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 
9002 through 9831 inclusive, and 9998.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of low clearance between the 
variable frequency generator (VFG) power feeder cables and adjacent 
hydraulic lines and/or fuel lines in the aft equipment bay, which 
could cause chafing damage. We are issuing this AD to address this 
unsafe condition, which could result in a hydraulic/fuel leak and 
electrical arcing as an ignition source, and could cause an in-
flight fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Routing Modification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the 
routing of the VFG power feeder cables and harnesses in the aft 
equipment bay to ensure the required clearance between the cables 
and the hydraulic lines and/or fuel lines, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
listed in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22FE19.017

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the modification required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD for airplanes on which the modification 
specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-24-6014, dated April 
25, 2018, was performed before the effective date of this AD using 
Bombardier Service Request for Product Support Action (SRPSA) 
000236314.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the modification required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, if the modification was performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (h)(2)(iv) of this AD.
    (i) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-24-089, dated April 25, 
2018.
    (ii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-24-6014, dated April 25, 
2018.
    (iii) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-1A11-24-028, dated April 
25, 2018.
    (iv) Bombardier Service Bulletin 700-24-5014, dated April 25, 
2018.

(i) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) Canadian AD CF-2018-22, dated August 2, 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-2019-0019.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Steven 
Dzierzynski, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Electrical Systems 
Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, 
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516-228-7367; 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; telephone: 514-855-5000; 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 February 1, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-02937 Filed 2-21-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P