[Federal Register: December 1, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 230)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 69842-69844]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01de04-18]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19754; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-181-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional
Jet Series 700 & 701) Series Airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional
Jet Series 900) Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 &
701) series airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900)
series airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the
Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions of Continued
Airworthiness by incorporating new repetitive inspections and an
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, and would
require repairing any crack. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of
hydraulic pressure loss in either the number 1 or number 2 hydraulic
systems due to breakage or leakage of hydraulic lines in the aft
equipment bay and reports of cracks on the aft pressure bulkhead web
around these feed-through holes. We are proposing this AD to prevent
loss of hydraulic pressure, which could result in reduced
controllability of the airplane and to detect and correct cracks on the
aft pressure bulkhead web, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the aft pressure bulkhead.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 3, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station
Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2004-19754; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004-NM-181-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: 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.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19754;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-181-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the airworthiness
authority for Canada, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701)
series airplanes, and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900)
series airplanes. TCCA advises that there have been a number of
reported cases of
[[Page 69843]]
hydraulic pressure loss in either the number 1 or number 2 hydraulic
systems due to breakage or leakage of hydraulic lines in the aft
equipment bay. In some cases, hydraulic lines and connector jam nuts
were found loose at the aft pressure bulkhead web. Loosening of the jam
nuts also resulted in elongation of the affected feed-through holes on
the aft pressure bulkhead web at fuselage station 1098.2, stringers 8
and 9, left- and right-hand sides. In addition, cracks were found on
the aft pressure bulkhead web around these feed-through holes. Loss of
hydraulic pressure, if not corrected, could result in reduced
controllability of the airplane. Cracks on the aft pressure bulkhead
web, if not detected and corrected, could result in reduced structural
integrity of the aft pressure bulkhead.
Relevant Service Information
Bombardier has issued CRJ 700/900 Series Temporary Revision (TR)
MRM2-129, dated June 1, 2004. The TR describes procedures for new
repetitive inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead and pylon pressure
pan in the vicinity of the hydraulic fittings, and the hydraulic tube
adapters. The TR also describes an optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. Accomplishing the actions specified in the
service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition. TCCA mandated the service information and issued Canadian
airworthiness directive CF-2004-14, dated July 20, 2004, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Canada.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in Canada and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 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 the FAA informed of
the situation described above. We have examined TCCA's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require revising
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions of Continued
Airworthiness by incorporating new repetitive inspections and an
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, and would
require repairing any crack.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Canadian Airworthiness
Directive
Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2004-14 specifies that you may
contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair certain
conditions, but this proposed AD would require you to repair those
conditions using a method that we or TCAA (or its delegated agent)
approve. In light of the type of repair 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 repair we or TCAA approve would be acceptable for compliance with
this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 116 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $7,540, or $65
per airplane.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket No. FAA-2004-19754;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-181-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by January 3, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this
AD, certificated in any category.
Table 1.--Applicability
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Bombardier model Serial Nos.
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(1) CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 10003 through 10999
701) series airplanes. inclusive.
(2) CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 15001 through 15990
series airplanes. inclusive.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic pressure loss
in either the number 1 or number 2 hydraulic systems due to breakage
or leakage of hydraulic lines in the aft equipment bay and reports
of cracks on the aft pressure bulkhead web around these feed-through
holes. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of hydraulic pressure,
which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane and to
detect and correct cracks on the aft pressure bulkhead web, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the aft pressure
bulkhead.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Revision of Airworthiness Limitations Section
(f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions of
Continued Airworthiness by inserting a copy of the new repetitive
inspections and an optional terminating action of Bombardier CRJ
700/900 Series Temporary Revision (TR) MRM2-129, dated June 1, 2004,
into Section 1.4, Part 2 (Airworthiness Limitations), of Bombardier
Regional Jet Model CL-600-2C10 and CL-600-2D24 Maintenance
Requirements Manual, CSP B-053. Thereafter, except as provided in
paragraph (h)(2) or (i) of this AD, no alternative
[[Page 69844]]
structural inspection intervals may be approved for this aft
pressure bulkhead and pylon pressure pan in the vicinity of the
hydraulic fittings and the hydraulic tube adapters.
(g) When the information in TR MRM2-129, dated June 1, 2004, is
included in the general revisions of the Maintenance Requirement
Manual, this TR may be removed.
Corrective Action
(h) If any crack is found during any inspection done in
accordance with Bombardier CRJ 700/900 Series TR MRM2-129, dated
June 1, 2004, or the same inspection specified in the general
revisions of the Maintenance Requirement Manual, do the actions
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Before further flight, repair the crack in accordance with a
method approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA) (or its delegated agent).
(2) Within 30 days after repairing any crack in accordance with
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, revise the Airworthiness Limitations
section of the Instructions of Continued Airworthiness by inserting
a copy of the inspection requirements for the repair required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD into Section 1.4, Part 2 (Airworthiness
Limitations) of Bombardier Regional Jet Model CL-600-2C10 and CL-
600-2D24 Maintenance Requirements Manual, CSP B-053. Thereafter,
except as provided in paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative
structural inspection intervals may be approved for this aft
pressure bulkhead and pylon pressure pan in the vicinity of the
hydraulic fittings, and the hydraulic tube adapters.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, New York ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(j) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2004-14, dated July 20,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 17, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-26493 Filed 11-30-04; 8:45 am]
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