[Federal Register: August 18, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 159)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 49336-49337]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18au03-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-328-AD; Amendment 39-13266; AD 2003-16-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional
Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series
100 & 440) airplanes, that requires installing new vent tube assemblies
for the main fuel tanks; and, on certain airplanes, inspecting to
measure the clearance between the vent system tubing and the applicable
wing ribs, and corrective action if necessary. This action is necessary
to prevent a fire hazard due to fuel spillage. This action is intended
to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective September 22, 2003.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 22, 2003.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box
6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. This
information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification
Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
Suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New
York 11581; telephone (516) 256-7521; fax (516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes was published in the
Federal Register on June 18, 2003 (68 FR 36513). That action proposed
to require installing new vent tube assemblies for the main fuel tanks;
and, on certain airplanes, inspecting to measure the clearance between
the vent system tubing and the applicable wing ribs, and corrective
action if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Change to Labor Rate Estimate
We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several
years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various
inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to
increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work
hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects
this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that the installation will be required to be
accomplished on 45 Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440)
airplanes of U.S. registry. It will take approximately 15 work hours
per airplane to accomplish the installation at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $10,273 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the installation
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $506,160, or $11,248 per airplane.
The FAA estimates that the inspection will be required to be
accomplished on 43 Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440)
airplanes of U.S. registry. It will take approximately 1 work hour per
airplane to accomplish the inspection at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,795, or $65 per
airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
[[Page 49337]]
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost
impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the
time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the
AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as
the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time
necessitated by other administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2003-16-13 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Amendment 39-13266.
Docket 2001-NM-328-AD.
Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440)
airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069
through 7109 inclusive, certificated in any category; excluding
those airplanes on which the actions specified in Bombardier Service
Bulletin 601R-28-024, dated May 21, 1996, have been accomplished.
(This applicability includes airplanes informally identified as
``Series 200.'')
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent a fire hazard in the main fuel tanks due to fuel
spillage, accomplish the following:
Installation
(a) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, install
new vent tube assemblies for the main fuel tanks, per Part A of
paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier
Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision ``A'', dated November 11,
1998.
Inspection and Corrective Action
(b) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7035
inclusive, and 7048 through 7057 inclusive: Before further flight
after installing the vent tube assemblies as required by paragraph
(a) of this AD, perform a general visual inspection to measure the
clearance between the vent system tubing and the applicable wing
rib, per Part B of paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision ``A,'' dated
November 11, 1998.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
(1) If the clearance between the vent system tubing and the
applicable wing rib is 0.125 inch or more, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If the clearance between the vent system tubing and the
applicable wing rib is less than 0.125 inch, prior to further
flight, install the bracket assemblies per paragraphs 2.B.(8)
through 2.B.(10) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service
bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier
Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision ``A,'' dated November 11,
1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair,
Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal,
Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office,
10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite
700, Washington, DC.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-2001-31, dated August 7, 2001.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on September 22, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 7, 2003.
Neil D. Schalekamp,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-20711 Filed 8-15-03; 8:45 am]
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