[Federal Register: June 14, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 113)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 32924-32927]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14jn04-26]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-11-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional
Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-
2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposal would
require a one-time inspection of the shafts of the main landing gear
(MLG) side-brace fittings to detect corrosion, and the forward and aft
bushings in the left-hand and right-hand MLG side-brace fittings to
detect discrepancies. This proposal also would require corrective and
related actions if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent
fractures of the MLG side-brace fitting shafts, and possible collapse
of the MLG. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by July 14, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-11-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2003-NM-11-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must
[[Page 32925]]
be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York
Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410,
Westbury, New York.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Serge Napoleon, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7312; fax (516) 794-5531.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed
AD is being requested.
Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2003-NM-11-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2003-NM-11-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100
& 440) airplanes. TCCA advises that there have been reports of
fractures of the side-brace fitting shafts of the main landing gear
(MLG). The fractures occurred on Bombardier Model CL-604 series
airplanes. Investigation revealed that the fractures were caused by
corrosion on the forward side of the MLG side-brace fitting shafts.
Fractures of the side-brace fitting shafts, if not corrected, could
result in collapse of the MLG.
The subject area on the affected Bombardier Model CL-604 series
airplanes is almost identical to that on certain Bombardier Model CL-
600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. Therefore, Model
CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes may be subject to
the same unsafe condition revealed on the Bombardier Model CL-604
series airplanes. The Model CL-604 series airplanes are the business
version of the Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440)
airplanes. The FAA may consider issuing further rulemaking for the
affected Model CL-604 series airplanes.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued Service Bulletin 601R-57-036, Revision `C',
including Appendix A, dated January 30, 2003, which describes
procedures for a visual inspection of the shafts of the side-brace
fittings of the MLG for corrosion; and a visual inspection of the
forward and aft bushings in the MLG side-brace fittings for
discrepancies (gouges, scores, corrosion, or other damage). If
corrosion is found on the MLG side-brace fitting shaft, the corrective
action is to replace the side-brace fitting shaft with a new or
serviceable shaft. The service bulletin specifies that operators should
complete a report detailing the extent of the corrosion, and send it to
the manufacturer. If the forward and aft bushings in the MLG side-brace
have any discrepancy, the corrective action is to contact Bombardier
for replacement instructions.
Following the inspection and any necessary corrective actions, the
service bulletin describes related actions that include reconnecting
the MLG side-brace fitting; installing a new improved nut having a new
part number; and performing a functional test of the MLG extension/
retraction system.
TCCA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2002-41, dated September 20, 2002,
to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in Canada and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, TCCA has kept us informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of TCCA,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously,
except as discussed below.
Differences Among the Proposed AD, the Service Bulletin, and the
Canadian Airworthiness Directive
Although the Canadian airworthiness directive and the service
bulletin specify that operators may contact Bombardier for certain
replacement instructions, this proposed AD would require operators to
replace per a method approved by either the FAA or the TCCA (or its
delegated agent). In light of the type of replacement that would be
required to address the unsafe condition, and consistent with existing
bilateral airworthiness agreements, we have determined that, for this
proposed AD, a replacement approved by either the FAA or the TCCA would
be acceptable for compliance with this proposed AD.
[[Page 32926]]
The Canadian airworthiness directive mandates, and the Bombardier
service bulletin recommends, compliance at the next scheduled ``C-
check,'' but no later than June 30, 2004. Because ``C-check'' schedules
vary among operators, this proposed AD would require compliance within
4,000 flight cycles or 20 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first. We find that 4,000 flight cycles or 20 months
is appropriate for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety.
Although the Canadian airworthiness directive refers to an
inspection of the bore surface of the bushing for roughness, this
proposed AD would not include this inspection. This inspection was
removed from Revision `C' of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-57-036,
which is the source of service information for the actions in this
proposed AD.
The Canadian airworthiness directive does not include the
functional test of the MLG extension/retraction system as part of the
corrective actions. However, this test is included in Revision `C' of
Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-57-036. Therefore, this proposed AD
would include this test as part of the related actions following any
necessary replacement of a side-brace fitting and following the
inspections. This test is also included in the Cost Impact estimate of
this proposed AD.
These differences have been coordinated with TCCA.
Clarification of Inspection Type
The Canadian airworthiness directive refers to the required
inspections as ``visual inspections.'' In this proposed AD, we refer to
these inspections as ``general visual inspections.'' Note 1 of this
proposed AD defines this type of inspection.
Interim Action
This proposed AD is considered to be interim action. The inspection
reports that are required by this proposed AD will enable the
manufacturer to obtain better insight into the nature, cause, and
extent of the corrosion of the shafts of the MLG side-brace fittings,
and eventually to develop final action to address the unsafe condition.
Once final action has been identified, we may consider further
rulemaking.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 462 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected
by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 5 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections and functional test,
and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $150,150, or $325 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 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 proposed herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket 2003-NM-11-AD.
Applicability: Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440)
airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7651 inclusive; certificated
in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent fractures of the main landing gear (MLG) side-brace
fitting shafts, and possible collapse of the MLG, accomplish the
following:
Inspections, Corrective Actions, and Related Actions
(a) Within 20 months or 4,000 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a general visual
inspection of the shafts of the side-brace fittings of the MLG for
corrosion, and of the forward and aft bushings in the left-hand and
right-hand MLG side-brace fittings for discrepancies (gouges,
scores, corrosion, or other damage); and any applicable corrective
and related actions. Do all of the actions per the Accomplishment
Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-57-036, Revision
`C', including Appendix A, dated January 30, 2003. Do any applicable
corrective and related actions prior to further flight. Where the
service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain
replacement instructions: Before further flight, replace per a
method approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA) (or its delegated agent).
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.''
Reporting
(b) Submit a report of any corrosion of the shafts of the side-
brace fittings of the MLG found during the inspections required by
paragraph (a) of this AD to the Bombardier Technical Help Desk at
fax number (514) 833-8501. Submit the report at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. Submission of
the Field-Report Data Sheet in Appendix A of the service bulletin is
an acceptable method for complying with this requirement. Include
the inspection results (including the percentage of the corrosion),
a digital photo of the shafts (if available), the location (zone) in
which the
[[Page 32927]]
corrosion is found, the serial number of the airplane, the name of
the inspector, the service bulletin number, and the date of the
inspection. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained
in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspections are done after the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspections were done prior to the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(c) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD
per Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-57-036, Revision `A', including
Appendix A, dated May 17, 2002; or Revision `B', including Appendix
A, dated July 4, 2002; are considered acceptable for compliance with
the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York ACO,
is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this
AD.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-2002-41, dated September 20, 2002.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 2004.
Franklin Tiangsing,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13224 Filed 6-10-04; 8:45 am]
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